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r: 

PEEFACE 

T he numerous English editions of the ‘‘Swiss Fam- 
ily Eobinson,’’ which have been presented to the 
juvenile public, would almost appear to render an ad- 
ditional one superfluous. 

The translator of the following pages, therefore, 
wishes to explain the motives which have induced her 
to attempt another translation. 

In the editions referred to the translators appear 
to have fallen into one of two errors: either the style 
of the original German (which is at times obscure and 
confused) has been too strictly followed, and the idiom 
retained ; or by an unnecessarily free translation, and 
the alteration of conversations and events by addi- 
tions or omissions, traces of the original story have 
been in a great measure lost. 

In the following pages the translator has endeavored 
to avoid these errors, and to render the German sen- 
tences into good simple Saxon English, without alter- 
ing the sense or meaning of the original text. 

In translating a work of this kind, it should also be 
remembered that boys from ten and twelve, to four- 
teen and sixteen, do not use long or pedantic words, 
neither should those who are represented as living in 
the early part of the present century be made to utter 
the slang of an English boy of our own times. 

In this translation — which is made entirely from the 
original German — the incidents and events are faith- 
fully preserved unaltered, with one or two necessary 
but slight exceptions. No interpolation or omission 
could possibly improve the tissue of wondrous events, 

5 


PREFACE 


which are often described in the original with a graphic 
power and at times with poetic effect. 

The author of the ‘‘Swiss Family Eobinson’^ was 
Johann David Wyss, a descendant of an old citizen 
family of the town of Berne in Switzerland. He was 
an only son, and after completing his education, ob- 
tained in 1766 the position of military chaplain, in 
which it was necessary for him to preach in French and 
in German. His regiment was at this time on service 
in Sardinia, and while here he not only acquired a 
knowledge of the Italian language, but made himself 
acquainted with general literature and science, includ- 
ing natural history, military tactics, and fortification. 
In short, he acquired the knowledge of merchandise, 
seafaring life and its technical terms, of various trades, 
of farming, and other information which, as the. author 
of the “Swiss Family Eobinson,’’ he so much re- 
quired. 

The story of the “Swiss Family Eobinson’’ was 
originally related to his four children, but he never 
had it printed — indeed, it is very possible he had no 
intention of giving it publicity. 

For our possession of it we are indebted to one of 
his sons, the well-known Professor Johann Eudolf 
Wyss, who, with a natural and praiseworthy ambition, 
placed his father’s story in MS. (with a few altera- 
tions) in the hands of a printer. 

The first edition appeared in German, at Zurich, in 
1813; but the story at that time only extended over 
ten or twelve years, the arrival of a ship from Europe 
at the end of that period enabling the Swiss family to 
return to their native country. 

Madame de Montolieu, when translating this tale 
into French in 1824, suggested to the author’s son that 
he should make a different ending to his story ; but he 
was, as it appears, too much occupied as professor at 
the Berne Academy to undertake such a task. The 
6 


PREFACE 


accomplislied Frencli authoress, however, succeeded 
in obtaining his permission to complete the story her- 
self 

The writer of the following pages has strictly ad- 
hered to the form of the tale as it appears in the Ger- 
man of Wyss, with the additions made by the Baroness 
Montolieu in the more modern German editions. 


7 


s 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

Preface 3 

Introduction 9 

I Shipwrecked and Alone 15 

II A Desolate Island 25 

III A Voyage of Discovery 39 

IV The Homeward Journey 52 

V A Successful Voyage 63 

VI A: Living Freight 72 

VII Another Exploring Expedition 80 

VIII Bridge-Building 87 

IX The Journey to the Wonderful Trees ... 98 

X A Night^s Lodging 110 

XI A Castle in the Air 119 

XII The Visit to Zeltheim 132 

XIII The Sledge, the Masquerade, and the Kangaroo 146 

XIV A Voyage to the Wreck — The Raft . . . 159 

XV The Wheelbarrows and the Turtle . , . 172 

XVI The Pinnace and the Petard 183 

XVII The Walk to the Calabash Wood .... 195 
XVIII The Canadian Fowl and the India-Rubber Tree 214 

XIX Candle-Making — The New Cart 225 

XX The Baby Jackal 242 

XXI Grizzle^s New Friend 265 

XXII Spring Days and the Salt Cavern .... 280 

XXIII The Winter House in the Grotto .... 295 

XXIV Little Frank and the Calf 314 

XXV The Mischievous Monkeys 329 

XXVI Jack^s Adventure — The Stranded Whale . . 347 

XXVII Rowing by Machinery — The Turtle .... 366 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

XXVIII The Dreadptil Visitor — Poor Grizzle’s Fate . 378 
XXIX Another Excursion — Fritz and the Rats . .396 

XXX The Green Valley — The Bears 409 

XXXI The Condor — Frank Hears the Cuckoo . . 423 

XXXII The Ostrich Trainer 439 

XXXIII The Young Rat-Catchers — The Canoe . . . 451 

XXXIV The Crushing Machine — A Plentiful Harvest 462 

XXXV The Drawbridge — The Hyena 477 

XXXVI Fritz Relates the Adventures of Their Excur- 
sion 487 

XXXVII After Ten Years — Pearl Bay 501 

XXXVIII The Mysterious Message — The Lions . . . 514 

XXXIX The Search for Fritz — ^A Visitor .... 527 
XL The Adventures op Fritz — Jenny’s History . 540 
XLI The Welcome at Rock House — Conclusion . . 550 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


I Formed It into Bowls Frontispiece 


FACING 

PAGE 

The Monkey Resumed His Place 56 

We Retired to Our Airy Castle 144 ^ 

We Were in Raptures over Our Fountain 262 

On a Rude Throne Sat the Mother 326 

Out Rushed at Least a Dozen Rats 400 

I Was Despairing When the Bird Returned .... 546 ^ 



INTEODUCTION 

T he story of the Swiss Family Eobinson^’ is 
founded on the report of the captain of a Eussian 
vessel, who, on one of his voyages, discovered a group 
of fertile islands, situated towards the southeast 
of Java, and not far distant from New Guinea. On 
landing on one of these, the crew were greatly sur- 
prised to find it inhabited by a family consisting of a 
father, mother, and four sons, who informed the cap- 
tain of the circumstances which had placed them in 
such a position. 

The father related that he had been a Swiss pastor 
or clergyman, and in the Eevolution of 1798 had lost 
all his property. He therefore resolved to become a 
missionary, and for this purpose proceeded to England 
with his wife and family, and there obtained an ap- 
pointment to go out to Otaheite, and establish Chris- 
tianity among these savage tribes. From thence he 
intended to proceed to Port Jackson in New South 
Wales (now Tasmania), and remain to work his way 
in that newly-formed colony. 

He and his family sailed from England with other 
passengers having a similar intention, and continued 
their voyage prosperously till they arrived near the 
coast of New Guinea. 

Here they were overtaken by a fearful storm, and 
it is in the moment when its fierceness is at its height 
that the author has chosen to commence his story. 
The father of the family tells the tale, and the vicis- 
13 


INTRODUCTION 


situdes through which he and his wife and children 
pass, the wonderful discoveries they make, and the 
dangers they encounter, form the story of the Swiss 
Family Eobinson. 


k 


14 


CHAPTER I 

SHIPWEECKED AND ALONE 

T he storm, which had lasted for six long and terri- 
ble days, appeared on the seventh to redouble its 
fury. We were driven out of our course far to the 
southeast, and all trace of our position was lost. 

Sailors and passengers were alike worn out with 
fatigue and long watching; indeed, all hope of saving 
the ship had disappeared. The masts were split and 
overboard, the sails rent, and the water in the hold 
from a leak made us expect every moment to be swal- 
lowed up in the waves. 

Nothi ig could now be heard among the crew or the 
passengers but earnest prayers to God for mercy! — 
each commending his soul to his Maker, knowing that 
His power alone could save them from death. 

My children stood clinging to their mother, and 
trembling with fear in our little cabin, and I endeav- 
ored to cheer them by saying, 

‘‘My children, God can save us if it is His will; if 
not, we must resign ourselves to what He judges is 
best for us, and to die will be to meet again in a better 
world, where partings are unknown.’’ 

My poor wife on this wiped her tears and became 
calm, to give courage to her boys; and yet I could 
scarcely restrain my own grief, even while endeavoring 
to comfort my family. 

At last we knelt together and otfered our united 
prayers to the Almighty for succor: my eldest boy 
Fritz prayed aloud most earnestly, that God would 
save his dear parents and brothers, seeming not to 
15 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


think at all of his own safety. All else was forgotten 
in the threatened danger, and yet the evident faith of 
childhood in the power of the prayers they uttered re- 
stored my own. 

‘‘Will not the Lord hear and answer these prayers,’’ 
I thought, “offered in such childlike trust and confi- 
dence 1 ’ ’ 

All at once was heard above the fury of the storm 
the cry, “Land! land!” At the same moment we felt 
a shock so violent that I believed the ship had struck 
on a rock, and would immediately fall to pieces. The 
sounds of cracking timber, and the rush of water over 
the decks, quickly proved that I was not mistaken, es- 
pecially when the voice of the captain made itself heard 
in terrible tones, “We are lost! lower the boats!” — 
and the words struck like a sword to my heart. 

“Lost!” I exclaimed, in my terror; but the piteous 
cries of my children aroused me. I must not allow 
them to despair at this awful moment. ‘ ‘ Keep up your 
courage!” I exclaimed: “God can help us still if we 
trust in Him! I will go at once, and try to discover 
whether some way of deliverance may not be left for 
us.” 

I went up quickly on deck, but as I endeavored to 
advance, wave after wave passed over me. The first, 
for which I was unprepared, dashed me to the ground ; 
but I struggled to withstand the force of the next by 
clinging to the side of the ship, and then what a sight 
presented itself! 

One boat was far out to sea, and a sailor — the last 
to leap on board the other boat — ^was about to cut the 
rope and let it drift away. When I realized the fact 
that they were escaping, and had left me and my dear 
ones to perish, I raised my voice in earnest entreaty. 
I cried, I prayed, I implored them to return and rescue 
us. All to no purpose. My voice was lost amid the 
roar of the storm, and even had I been heard, the fury 
16 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of the waves made the return of the boats an impossi- 
bility. 

For a few moments I looked around me in despair. 
Then, with a sudden hope, I observed the position of 
the vessel. The bow had sunk forward, leaving the 
stern high above the water as far as a kind of partition 
situated amidships, which separated the captain’s and 
the other cabins from the steerage of the ship. 

Added to this, I found that the wreck was fixed in 
this position between two rocks, and therefore likely 
to remain in safety, especially if the storm abated. A 
few moments served for me to realize the absence of 
immediate danger, and then I turned my attention 
towards the shore, which lay, as I supposed, to the 
southward. A misty rain obscured the view, and per- 
haps made it appear more barren and desolate; yet I 
determined to strain every nerve in an etf ort to reach 
a spot upon which I now placed my highest hopes of 
safety. Still, I had to restrain the troubled thought 
that all hope of human help had vanished, as I went 
below to the cabin and addressed my dear ones hope- 
fully. 

‘^Take courage, my children,” I said as I entered, 
‘‘all hope is not lost. The ship is fixed between the 
rocks, and this little place of refuge is high above the 
water. To-morrow, if the wind and waves subside, we 
may be able to reach the land. ’ ’ 

The hopefulness of childhood enabled my boys to 
receive this news with transports of joy. They passed 
all at once from despair to unbounded confidence. All 
doubts and difficulties vanished, especially as the roll- 
ing of the vessel, which had so often dashed them to and 
fro or against the side of the ship, had entirely ceased. 
But my wife discovered my hidden anxiety in spite of 
my calmness ; yet, while I saw this clearly, I knew by 
her manner that her confidence in God was still un- 
shaken, and this gave me renewed courage. 

17 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Her first act was to searcli in the steward’s room for 
provisions, and with such success that a plentiful sup- 
per was quickly prepared for us. 

‘^Let us take food,” she said: ‘‘nourishment for the 
body gives strength to the spirit, and we may have a 
very disturbed night.” 

And so it truly proved. The three younger boys 
gladly retired to rest after supper, and were soon fast 
asleep, overcome with fatigue and excitement. Fritz, 
the eldest, a youth of fourteen, understood our posi- 
tion more clearly than his brothers, and preferred to 
share the watch with his parents. He was a thought- 
ful boy, and we discovered after awhile one of his rea- 
sons for wishing to sit up with us. 

As night advanced the storm still continued, and the 
waves broke over the lower part of the ship with un- 
diminished fury. From time to time a cracking noise 
told us that the planks and beams of the wreck were 
strained by their force, and a continual trembling 
caused a dread that every moment the vessel would 
fall in pieces. 

It was after one of these shocks that Fritz exclaimed, 

“My father, do you think we could find any swim- 
ming-belts on board for my mother and the boys ? You 
and I could swim on shore if anything happened to the 
wreck, but they cannot swim. ’ ’ 

“Not a bad thought, my boy,” I replied; “we will 
search at once.” 

But no swimming-belts could be obtained, and I de- 
termined to contrive a plan which I hoped would prove 
successful. In the steward’s cabin we found a num- 
ber of empty flasks and tin water-cans strong enough 
to support a light person in the waves. These we 
fastened together with pocket-handkerchiefs, and tied 
them under the armpits of the three boys and my wife, 
who willingly adopted this means of safety. We also 
supplied ourselves with knives, string, a tinder-box 
18 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and matches, and other useful but not cumbrous arti- 
cles, and then seated ourselves to await calmly the re- 
sult, hoping that, should the vessel fall to pieces, we 
might be able to gain the shore partly by swimming 
and partly by being borne on the waves. 

^ Fritz, however, feeling more secure in the safety of 
his dear mother and brothers, retired to rest and slept 
soundly. I and my brave wife remained awake in 
watchful anxiety, listening to each shock that threat- 
ened a change in the position of the vessel. It was, 
indeed, a sad night for us both : we passed it in prayer 
and consultation respecting our future, till with thank- 
ful hearts we observed the first glimmer of daylight, 
and felt that we were safe. As morning advanced the 
wind lulled, the sky cleared, and with joyful eyes we 
gazed at the brilliant colors that glowed in the east as 
the sun rose foretelling a bright day. 

In a cheerful voice I roused the boys, and led them 
with their mother on deck. Then for the first time 
they became aware that we were alone on the ship. 

^‘Oh, papa!’’ exclaimed Jack, ‘‘where are the sailors 
and the other passengers ? How are we to continue the 
voyage or get to land ? — are they gone ! — why did they 
not take us?” 

“My children,” I said, “our companions have left 
us to our fate, but we must not despair. If we exert 
ourselves and do all we can, God in His mercy will help 
us ; still let us trust in Him without fear, and consider 
what is best to be done. ’ ’ . 

“Could we not make a raft, papa,” said Ernest, 
‘ ‘ and get to shore all together ? ” 

“It would certainly be an excellent plan if we had 
the materials,” I replied. 

‘ ‘ The sea is calm enough to reach the shore by swim- 
ming,” remarked Fritz. 

“Swimming would be all right for you,” said Ernest, 
“but not for us, who can’t swim.” 

19 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


yes, I forgot; but will those contrivances we 
made in the night be safe for mamma and the boys, 
papa 1 ’ exclaimed Fritz. 

would rather adopt some other plan,’^ I replied; 
^‘and now suppose we search the ship, and see if any 
materials for a raft can be found.’’ 

At these words we all dispersed in different direc- 
tions. I proceeded at once to the provision stores, 
which, to my great satisfaction, were well supplied with 
both food and water. My wife and the youngest boy 
went to visit the animals ; Fritz ran to the armory-room, 
and Ernest to the ship-carpenter’s workshop. Jack, 
as he opened the door of the captain’s cabin, got a 
little fright. Two large dogs sprang out, and, full of 
joy, bounded upon him so roughly, that they threw 
him down, and covered him with their caresses. This 
performance, however, startled the little man, and he 
at first cried out in alarm. But soon remembering that 
the poor doggies must be hungry, he recovered him- 
self quickly, rose to his feet, and mounting on the back 
of the largest dog, he rode gravely towards me, just as 
I appeared coming up from the ship’s hold. 

I could not help laughing even while I praised his 
courage, but not without advising him to be more cau- 
tious in future with strange animals, otherwise it might 
cost him dear. 

One by one we returned to the cabin, each bringing 
what he considered would be the most useful in our po- 
sition. 

Fritz brought powder, small shot, bullets, and two 
sporting guns. Ernest held in his hand a hatful of 
nails and a hammer, while from his pocket stuck out a 
pair of pincers and a hatchet. Even little Frank had 
a packet of fishing-hooks and lines, with which he 
seemed very much pleased. 

‘‘As to myself,” said my dear wife, “I have only 
brought good news, yet I hope it will prove very valu- 
20 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


able. I am delighted to tell you that there are still 
alive on the ship a cow, a donkey, two goats, six sheep, 
a ram, and a sow. I was only jnst in time to save them 
from dying of hunger and thirst.’’ 

‘‘Yon have all done well,” I said at last, “yet I am 
afraid Master J ack has brought two tremendous eaters 
instead of anything useful ; we shall find it difficult to 
feed them.” 

“Oh! but, papa,” exclaimed Jack, “when we get 
on shore the dogs will help us to hunt.” 

“Yes,” I rephed, “but how are we to get there?” 

“Can we not sail in tubs?” said Jack, “I have often 
done so on the pond at home.” 

“Happy thought!” I exclaimed; “let us begin at 
once. Now for the nails, the hammer, a saw, and a 
gimlet. We will see what can be found in the hold. ” 

My wife and the boys, excepting Jack, followed me 
to the hold with tools, and here we drew from the water 
four large empty casks. These we dragged to the 
lower deck, which was just above the water ’s edge, and 
discovered with joy that they were all made of solid 
wood and bound with strong iron hoops. The water in 
the hold on which they floated had prevented them from 
getting dry, and proved that they were watertight. 

I found them exactly suited to my purpose, and set 
to work at once to saw them apart through the middle. 
We succeeded at last, after great exertion, and then 
gladly refreshed ourselves with the wine and biscuits 
which were contained in two other small casks. I con- 
templated with pride the eight half-casks or tubs as 
they stood side by side on the sloping deck, and felt 
quite astonished to observe that my wife looked sad. 

“I could never dare to trust myself on the open sea 
in one of those things,” she said with a sigh. 

“Do not alarm yourself too soon, dear wife,” I re- 
plied: “my work is not yet finished; wait a little, — 
you will find that these tubs are much better for us 
21 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


than a wrecked vessel which is a fixture in the rocks. ’ ’ 

After a search I discovered a long and flexible plank, 
and upon this I fastened my eight tubs, so that the 
two ends of the plank might bend upwards and form a 
keel. Two other planks I also found, and these we 
nailed firmly to the tubs on each side, and brought 
together at the ends to form the stem and stern. In 
reality I had made a narrow boat divided into eight 
compartments. All was strong and well fitted, and 
appeared quite suitable for navigation, at least on a 
calm sea and for a short distance. 

But, alas! when my wonderful contrivanoe was fin- 
ished, it was found so heavy that in spite of our united 
efforts we were not able to move it an inch. 

‘ ‘ Fetch me one of the capstan-rods, ’ ’ * I cried, ^ ‘ I 
can use it as a lever. 

Fritz understood, and ran to find one. Then I cut 
off some pieces of wood from the sail-yards f for roll- 
ers, and lifting the lower part of my boat with the iron 
bar, Fritz placed them underneath, and now we could 
move it easily where we pleased. 

^‘How strange,” exclaimed Ernest, ‘^that one man 
can do more with that thing than we could do with all 
our strength ! How is it, papa ? ^ ’ 

‘ Hf we get safely to land, Ernest, I will explain this 
to you ; the iron bar forms a lever which is one of the 
six mechanical powers. Now, however, I am too 
anxious about the boat to talk to you.” 

While saying this I was fastening a rope to the tub- 
raft with a strong knot, and after placing the two roll- 
ers under it and giving it a slight push, we had the 
pleasure of seeing our little vessel glide from the lower 
deck towards the sea. But she descended with such 
rapidity that had I not taken the precaution to fasten 

* An iron bar used to turn the capstan when raising the anchor. 

t The poles across the masts on which the sailors stand to unfurl or 
furl the sails. 


22 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the rope to a beam on the wreck, she would have been 
carried far out of our reach. Unfortunately, the boat 
leaned so much on one side that no one would have 
dared to embark in it ; but I saw in a moment what it 
wanted. I quickly gathered up all the heavy things 
around me, and threw them as ballast into the tubs. 
The boat immediately righted itself, and my children 
with eager joy rushed forward, in their haste disputing 
who should first enter, and forgetting all idea of dan- 
ger. 

But I hastily stopped them. I knew we could not 
venture to put to sea with any safety yet, for I saw 
plainly that the slightest obstruction would capsize 
the craft. To avoid this danger, therefore, I thought 
I might contrive to manufacture some of those paddles 
which savage nations use to balance their canoes even 
against adverse winds. 

I again set myself to work to procure this happy 
means of safety, and with the help of Fritz I succeeded. 
We found two long sail-yards, which were fastened, one 
in front and the other at the hinder part of the boat, 
so that they could be moved without in any way in- 
terfering with the progress of our little raft. 

To the end of each of these we fixed two little empty 
casks which were to serve as a counterpoise, and at last 
I believed that our arrangements were complete and 
safe. It only remained for me to ascertain the best 
means of escape from the wreck of the ship to the open 
sea. I therefore embarked in one of the tubs, and di- 
recting the boat towards a fissure in the side which 
seemed to open a passage, I contrived, by the use of 
the hatchet and the saw, to cut away the planks and 
beams which stood in our way. 

Nothing now remained but to secure the oars for our 
voyage on the morrow. It was late when all this was 
finished, and impossible to attempt to go on shore at 
that hour. We were obliged, therefore, to pass an- 
23 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


other night on the wreck, which threatened every mo- 
ment to fall to pieces. 

My wife, however, had prepared for ns an abundant 
supper, which we greatly needed, for in an eager desire 
to finish the tub-raft, we had taken nothing but the wine 
and biscuits found in the casks. 

At last we all gladly sought repose after the fatigues 
of the day, but I took the precaution to request my boys 
to attach the empty cans and flasks to their arms as a 
means of safety, should anything happen to the ship. 
I advised my wife also to dress herself in sailor’s 
clothes, as more convenient for swimming should she 
be thrown into the water. 

She objected greatly at first, but eventually I con- 
vinced her of the means of safety the dress would 
prove in case of accident, and she retired from the 
cabin to make the change. 

When she reappeared, looking very embarrassed, I 
could not help paying her a compliment, for the middy ’s 
dress became her admirably. Perhaps my bright 
hopes for the morrow made her forget her boyish ap- 
pearance, and she retired to rest in her berth and slept 
peacefully till morning. 


24 


CHAPTER II 


A DESOLATE ISLAND 

T he next morning at daybreak we were all awake, 
for hope as well as care is no friend to sleep. As 
soon as we had knelt and offered our morning prayers 
to God, I said to my children, 

‘‘I hope now, that with the aid of the Almighty, we 
shall soon be out of danger. And, first, let us provide 
food and water for the poor animals enough to last for 
several days; perhaps we may be able to return for 
them, if we succeed in reaching the land. And will 
you, my boys, collect together all that we shall require 
to take with us for our most pressing wants, while I 
attend to the animals T’ 

My first care had been to place on board our little 
bark a barrel of powder, three fowling-pieces, guns, 
pistols, and a supply of bullets, with a bullet-mold and 
lead to prepare more when these were gone. To my 
wife and each of the boys I gave a game-bag for future 
use, but now filled with provisions found in the sea- 
chests of the ship’s officers. Among these were tablets 
of soup, dried meat, and biscuits. 

I also loaded the two unoccupied tubs of the boat with 
an iron pot for cooking, a fishing-line and rod, a box 
of nails, a hammer, saw, hatchet, pincers, and a quan- 
tity of sail-cloth, with which to erect a tent. So many 
things were at last collected together to place in the 
boat, that I had to set aside the least useful for objects 
more precious. 

When all was ready, we knelt once more to ask pro- 
tection on our perilous voyage. I then placed the boys 
25 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


each in a boat, and waited for my wife. Presently she 
returned from the cabin carrying a large well-filled bag, 
which she threw into the tub with little Frank, and 1 
imagined that she only intended it to form a more 
comfortable seat for her youngest boy. 

We were about to follow the children into the boat, 
when all at once the cocks began to crow and the hens 
to cluck in such a mournful manner, that they appeared 
to be complaining at being left behind. 

‘‘I think we might manage to take them with us,” I 
said; ‘‘for if they are not cared for now we cannot 
expect them to be of use to us by and by. ’ ^ 

My advice was followed : two cocks and ten hens were 
placed in the tubs, and I contrived a kind of lattice- 
work roughly from splinters of wood, to keep them 
from jumping out. The ducks, geese, and pigeons I 
merely set free, feeling convinced that they would 
find their way to land, either through the air or by 
water. 

At length, when we were all safely stowed away in 
our tubs, I cut the cable and placed myself at the helm. 
In the first tub was my wife, close behind her little 
Frank ; the next two tubs contained the ammunition, the 
sail-cloth, the tools, the provisions, and the chickens? 
FWtz occupied the fifth; Ernest and Jack the sixth and 
seventh; and I had taken the last for myself, that I 
might guide the vessel containing my family by the 
stern oar, which served for a ruMer. 

Each of my elder boys took an oar, and, as well as 
their mother and little Frank, wore the swimming- 
belts I had contrived as a protection in case our strange 
craft should be capsized. 

It was just half -tide as we quitted the vessel, and I 
counted upon that to carry us to land, and compensate 
for the weakness of our rowers. The eyes of my chil- 
dren were soon eagerly attracted by the green shore 
before them, and they rowed with all their strength to 
26 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


reach it ; but for a long time we appeared to make but 
little progress. 

Presently we were startled by hearing the two dogs, 
which had been left on the wreck, whining piteously; 
and in a few moments they sprang into the sea and 
swam after us. They were too heavy for us to add to 
the weight by taking them on board our frail bark. 
Turk was a large English mastiff, and Floss, equally 
large, a Danish hound. I pitied them, however, for I 
feared they would not be able to swim such a dis- 
tance; yet, now and then, they supported themselves 
very cleverly, by resting their fore paws on the planks 
which balanced the tubs, and followed us as a rearguard 
without much trouble. 

After awhile, finding we made but little progress, I 
took another oar, and by guiding the boat into the cur- 
rent of the flowing tide, our navigation became less 
difficult, and we found ourselves approaching nearer to 
the shore. 

Its aspect was not very inviting: barren rocks and 
the absence of all vegetation predicted for us a sad 
prospect of hunger and suffering. The sea, however, 
was calm, the sky without a cloud, and the waves 
rippled gently against the shore; while around us 
floated chests, casks, and bales of goods — the debris of 
the ill-fated ship. In the hope that these stray casks 
might contain provisions, Fritz and I hooked some of 
them with our oars, and as I drew them near, I told him 
to have nails and a hammer ready to fasten them to our 
raft. 

As we drew nearer, the land lost much of its wild 
and sterile aspect, and Fritz, who has the eye of a fal- 
con, declared that he could already distinguish trees, 
and amongst them palms and cocoanut-trees. 

‘‘Oh!^’ cried Ernest, who was fond of good things, 
‘‘how nice it will be to have cocoanuts ! they are larger 
and better than the nuts of Europe.’’ 

27 


SWISS FAMILY RqBINSON 

A difficulty now arose as to the most convenient point 
on the coast for us to land, and I was beginning to re- 
gret that I had forgotten to bring the telescope from 
the captain’s cabin, when Jack drew from his pocket a 
smaller one, and offered it to me with delight at being 
able to gratify my wish. 

This telescope enabled me to take precautions in 
avoiding dangerous rocks, for the impetuous current 
seemed driving us at its will. Presently I perceived a 
narrow bay, towards which our ducks and geese were 
rapidly swimming in advance of us, as if to lead the 
way. ^ 

This creek in the shore presented also a much more 
pleasant aspect, and as I guided our boat towards the 
entrance, I found the water only just sufficiently deep 
to float it; and we arrived at last, after some little 
trouble, at a spot where it was so shallow that the shore 
was on a level with the top of our tubs. 

We all sprang out joyfully from the boat excepting 
little Frank, who was obliged to be assisted by his 
mother. The dogs, who had arrived as soon as our- 
selves, bounded with joy and barked around us in the 
wildest manner. The geese and ducks quacked loudly 
to welcome us. To this and the barking of the dogs 
were added the cries of the flamingoes, who flew away 
as we appeared, mingled with the screams of the pen- 
guins perched on the rocks. The appearance of these 
wild birds was not disagreeable to me : I decided that 
the land in which they found a home could not be so 
sterile and desolate after all. 

But these noises and confusion of sounds did not 
make us forget that we were safe ; and our first act was 
to fall upon our knees and thank God for having merci- 
fully preserved us in the hour of danger, and pray to 
Him to continue to grant us His -protection. 

We then commenced unloading the boat, and, small 
as our cargo appeared, I considered we had saved a 
28 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


great deal, especially if we included the cocks and hens, 
which were set free to roam for the present and find 
food for themselves. 

After choosing a suitable spot, we prepared to erect 
a tent as a place of shelter for the night, and in this we 
quickly succeeded, having all the necessary materials. 
One of the poles, which had served to balance the boat, 
was firmly fixed in the ground, and the end of another 
pole placed on the top of it, the opposite end being 
fixed in a crevice of the rock. 

Over this framework we threw our sail-cloth, stretch- 
ing it out as far as possible on all sides, and then fasten- 
ing it firmly to the ground with a number of stakes. 

For greater security our chests and other heavy 
articles were placed round the cloth to keep out the 
wind, and Fritz attached hooks to the edges in front, 
that we might draw them together during the night. 
Then I sent the children to gather as much moss and 
grass as they could find, and lay it in the sun to dry, 
so that we might have something softer than the hard 
ground to sleep on at night. 

While they were thus engaged, I piled up a number 
of large stones at some distance from the tent, to form 
a fireplace, on the borders of the little creek by which 
we had reached the land. Branches of trees and dried 
wood I found readily, and gathering armfuls, I placed 
them on my stone hearth, and presently a fire — that 
true friend of man — rose sparkling and flaming towards 
the sky. 

Upon this I placed our iron pot full of water, and 
into it my wife threw one of the tablets, for she in- 
tended us to have soup for dinner. Little Frank 
watched the performance, and said presently. 

Mamma, what is papa going to stick together U’ 

^‘Nothing, my hoy: I am making soup.’’ 

‘^Glue soup, mamma! Oh, I shan’t like to eat 
that.” 


29 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


she replied, ‘‘meat soup; what made you 
think it was glueT’ 

“It looks like it, mamma; besides, we can^t get meat 
here, there are no butchers’ shops.” 

“Listen, my hoy,” said his mother: “these cakes, 
that perhaps do look like glue, are made of the jelly of 
good meat, well cooked, for persons to carry with them 
to sea. It would be impossible for us to take fresh 
meat enough to last for a long voyage, it would not 
keep, so these meat and soup cakes are made to supply 
its place.” 

Meanwhile Fritz had loaded his gun and took his 
way along the. banks of the stream. Ernest, remark- 
ing that to seek for game upon a desert coast did not 
appear very agreeable, turned towards the sea, while 
Jack wandered among the rocks to search for shells. 
I employed myself in drawing from the water the two 
casks which we had secured in our transit from the 
ship to the shore. 

I discovered, however, that while the water at the 
spot on which we landed was convenient for unloading 
the boat, it had not depth enough to float it when heav- 
ily laden. While I stood considering what was best 
to be done, I heard Jack cry out as if in terror. Seiz- 
ing a hatchet, I ran in the direction of his voice, and 
saw him in the water up to his knees, and an enormous 
lobster or crab holding him by the leg in one of his 
claws, while J ack tried in vain to get rid of his enemy. 

I at once jumped into the water ; the crustaceous ani- 
mal no sooner perceived my approach than he let go 
his hold and tried to escape ; but to allow this was not 
my intention. I followed his movements with my eyes, 
owing to the agitation of the water, and at length dis- 
abling him with my hatchet, I brought him ashore, to 
Jack’s great delight. 

Burning with impatience to show his beautiful cap- 
tive to his mother, he caught the creature in both his 
30 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘I can improve it/’ she said, ‘‘by dissolving it in 
fresh water, and straining it through a piece of linen. ’ ’ 
And so it proved, for the pure salt fell through, and 
my wife threw it into the soup. 

“Why could we not use sea-water?” asked Jack. 
“Because it would be too bitter,” replied Ernest. 
“The bitter taste is very strong when sea-water is 
boiled. ’ ’ 

“Quite right, Ernest,” I said. “Sea-water contains 
a bitumen very disagreeable to the taste, which does 
not exist in crystallized salt. ’ ’ 

My wife now informed us that the soup was ready, 
but Fritz had not returned. Where could he be? 
While we waited, she remarked, 

“How are we to eat the soup now it is prepared? 
We cannot possibly lift a great burning pot to our lips, 
nor fish out the biscuits with our hands, and we have 
neither spoons nor cups. I think,” she added, laugh- 
ing, “we are in the same predicament as the fox in 
the fable, when the stork offered him his breakfast in 
a jug with a long narrow neck!” 

This idea was so comical that we all laughed heart- 
ily, especially when Ernest said, 

“If we only had cocoanut-shells divided in two, they 
would make splendid cups!” 

“No doubt,” I replied: “why don’t you wish we had 
a dozen silver spoons at hand? Wishing is useless: 
can you not invent something?” 

‘ ‘ Those shells I saw would serve us for spoons cap- 
itally!” said Ernest. 

“A bright idea, my boy, — although, as our oyster- 
shell spoons will have no handles, we shall be obliged 
to burn our fingers in getting out the soup. However, 
oyster-shells are better than nothing, boys, so run and 
get as many as you can.” 

Away started Jack to the place described. Ernest 
followed slowly, and when he reached the spot, there 
33 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


was Jack up to Ms knees in the water. As he stood 
still dreading to wet his feet, Jack detached the oysters, 
and threw them to his brother. 

‘‘You can gather them up and help me carry them,’’ 
he said, “if you are so afraid of water.” 

Ernest gladly assented, and they quickly obtained a 
sufficient number; while he waited, however, he con- 
trived to put a large shell in his own pocket. Pres- 
ently they appeared at the tent, carrying a supply of 
unopened spoons. 

At this moment Fritz approached, walking slowly 
with his hands behind his back, and his head bowed as 
if in great trouble. 

“I have found nothing,” he said, dolefully. 

“Absolutely nothing!” I said. 

“Nothing,” was the reply. 

But his brothers slipping quietly beMnd him ex- 
claimed, 

“Oh, Fritz! and you’ve got a little pig! Where 
did you find it! Did you kill it! Oh, do show it to 
us.” 

Fritz then, with a self-satisfied air, placed before 
me the first result of his hunting exploits. 

“You have succeeded, no doubt, Fritz,” I said 
gravely; “but I cannot allow you to utter falsehoods 
even in joke or to surprise us. The habit of untruth- 
fulness in play easily leads to speaking falsely on 
serious subjects.” 

Fritz promised not to offend again. And then he 
told us he had wandered to the other side of the creek, 
and found the vegetation very different; green grass, 
pleasant meadows, and such magnificent trees to shade 
us from the heat. 

“And, papa,” he added; “there are chests and 
boxes and spars floating about from the wreck. Can 
we not go and fetch them! If the animals were here 
that we left on board, it would be easy to find food for 
34 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


them; and how useful they would be, especially the 
cow, to supply us with milk. Don’t let us stay in this 
barren place. ’ ’ 

‘‘Patience, patience, my boy,” I said. “One thing 
at a time. To-morrow we will try what can be done. 
But, tell me, did you see anything of our fellow-pas- 
sengers?” 

“No, papa; not a single trace on sea or land. And, 
papa, I think this place is an island; and,” he added 
quickly, ‘ ‘ there are pigs here, because I have shot one ; 
but I don’t think it exactly resembles the pigs in Eu- 
rope, for its paws are more like those of a hare. I saw 
several in the grass : they had no fear of me, so I ven- 
tured quite close, and saw them sitting on their hind 
legs, and feeding themselves like squirrels. If I had 
not been afraid they would all escape from me, I 
should have tried to catch one alive, for they appeared 
almost tame. ’ ’ 

Ernest, in spite of his indolent habits, had been a 
great reader, and was perhaps the most intellectual 
of my boys. He had been examining the dead animal 
carefully while his brother talked. 

“This is not a pig at all, Fritz,” he said; “it has 
hair like silk, and four large incisor teeth in front. I 
believe it is an animal I’ve read about in my Natural 
History called an agouti.” 

“Indeed!” said Fritz; “listen to our great doctor 
with his universal scientific knowledge. I believe it’s 
a young pig after all.” 

“Gently, gently,” I cried; “don’t be so hasty with 
your jokes. Ernest, I believe, is right. I have never 
seen the agouti; but the appearance of this animal 
corresponds entirely with the descriptions I have read, 
as well as the pictures. The agouti is a native of 
America. It inhabits hollow trees, is mild and gentle 
in its nature, and forms excellent food.” 

While we were discussing this question. Jack was us- 

35 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing his utmost efforts to open an oyster with his knife, 
but without success. 

^‘You will never succeed, Jack,’’ I said, unless 
you place the oysters on the hot embers ; they will then 
open of themselves.” 

In a few minutes Jack brought me an open oyster. 

‘^See, my children,” I said; ‘^this is considered a 
great delicacy by epicures; let us taste it.” With 
these words I swallowed the first oyster, not, certainly, 
without repugnance, which, however, I concealed from 
the hoys. 

‘‘Do you like it, papa?” they asked. 

“I have had enough for the present,” I replied; “but 
I must leave you to judge for yourselves.” 

The hoys, after looking more closely at the glutinous 
object, appeared reluctant to make the attempt, but 
they knew that they must each eat one to obtain a shell 
for a spoon. Jack led the way, performing the task 
heroically, and swallowing the oyster as if it were 
medicine, with all sorts of grimaces, while his brothers 
followed his example, yet with evident dislike.* 

The empty shells, however, were at last obtained, 
and we hastened to put our new-fashioned spoons in 
use, yet not without burning our fingers as we dipped 
them into the soup. 

Then Ernest brought from his pocket the large mus- 
sel-shell which he had concealed, and filling it with 
soup, drew himself on one side, and, laughing at our 
burnt fingers, set it down to get cool. 

‘‘You take care of yourself, my boy, at all events,” I 
said. “I hope you will procure dishes for us similar 
to that by and by.” 

“There are plenty more where that came from,” he 
replied, laughing. 

“I fear you are becoming selfish, Ernest,” I said; 


* The Swiss must differ from us in disliking an edible which we 
consider a luxury. 


36 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

‘‘I think I ought to punish you by giving that soup to 
the two dogs: you can wait as well as they can.’’ 

With all his faults Ernest was amiable in temper; 
he rose at once, and placed it before the hungry ani- 
mals, who swallowed it in the twinkling of an eye. But 
what was that to assuage their hunger? 

Suddenly, while we were enjoying our soup, they 
spied the dead agouti, and before we could prevent them 
they had devoured it. 

Fritz started up in a rage, and seizing his gun, flew 
at the dogs as if he would kill them, and when they 
rushed from him in terror he threw stones after them, 
which caused them to howl with pain. 

My angry voice recalled him to himself, and when his 
rage calmed down, I talked to him seriously about this 
hasty temper which so pained me, for it appeared to 
become worse instead of better, as he grew older. I 
showed him that it had not only caused him to utter 
rude and angry words before his younger brothers, 
but had I not interfered he would have killed the two 
faithful creatures who would no doubt be so useful to 
us. He looked very much ashamed as I thus talked to 
him, and owned he was wrong, and presently I ob- 
served him trying to make friends with the dogs; I 
hoped, therefore, that my words had done good. 

As sunset approached, the poultry gathered round 
us and began to pick up the crumbs, and then I discov- 
ered the valuable contents of the bag which my wife 
had placed in the tub with little Frank. She opened 
it now and scattered oats, peas, and barley, which were 
eagerly swallowed by pigeons and poultry. She 
showed me also a quantity of wheat which she had 
brought in her bag, and while I praised her thoughtful- 
ness, I advised her to be economical with this precious 
grain, which I hoped we might be able to sow if we had 
to remain on the island. I promised also that, on my 
next trip to the wreck, I would bring for the poultry the 
37 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


damaged biscuits. Our pigeons, after tbeir supper, 
took refuge in the clefts of the rocks, the fowls perched 
themselves on the ridge of the tent, while the ducks 
and geese went to roost among the rushes which grew 
on the brink of the stream. 

We also began to think about retiring to rest, but I 
first took the precaution to load our guns and place 
them within reach, in case of alarm. We then knelt 
and offered our evening prayer, thanking God for His 
care of us during the day, and after asking Him to 
watch over us while we slept, we entered the tent. 

My children were astonished to observe that night 
came on almost suddenly after very little twilight. 
This made me feel certain that we were near the 
equator, or at least in some island situated within the 
tropics. In countries near the Line the light changes 
to darkness with great rapidity. I left the tent once 
more to assure myself that all was quiet around us, 
and on reentering, closed the opening after me, while 
the cock, awakened by the rising moon, crowed his 
evening chant. The heat of the d^ay was followed by 
a cold night, which we felt more keenly on our beds of 
moss. My wife and boys, however, were soon asleep. 
We had agreed to watch alternately during the night, 
but in spite of all my efforts I could not keep awake. 
Unconsciously my eyelids closed softly, slumber fell 
upon me, and this our first night on our land of safety 
was passed calmly and without alarms. 


38 


CHAPTER III 


A VOYAGE OF DISCOVEEY 

A t early dawn we were aroused by tbe crowing of 
the cocks, and my wife and I consulted together 
on the best plan to adopt in our proceedings during the 
day. She agreed with me that not only was it neces- 
sary to search for some trace of our fellow-passengers, 
but also to explore the country before we decided 
upon our future resting-place. She understood read- 
ily that it would be impossible for the whole family to 
venture on such an expedition. She proposed, there- 
fore, that I should take Fritz, as he was the strongest 
and the most useful, and leave the younger boys under 
her care. I was thankful to find her reconciled to this 
arrangement, and begged her to prepare breakfast 
while I aroused the boys. 

‘‘We have not much left for breakfast,’^ she said, 
“only the remains of the soup.’’ 

“But where is Jack’s lobster?” I cried, “what has 
he done with it?” 

“Go and ask him,” she replied, “while I light a fire, 
and place on the water to boil. ’ ’ 

The boys were soon awake, even Ernest did not re- 
quire much to rouse him, and then I inquired of Jack 
what had become of the lobster. 

He ran at once to fetch it from a crevice in the rock, 
where he had hidden it for safety. 

“I was determined the dogs should not devour it, 
as they did the agouti, papa,” he said. 

“Certainly you take care of what belongs to your- 
self, my boy,” I said, “but they are happier who care 
for the wants of others. I think also you ought to 
• 39 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


pve Up to Fritz the claws of the lobster which I prom- 
ised you, to provide him with a dinner on his journey 
to-day. ’ ’ 

journey! a journey!’’ they all cried; ‘‘are we 
going?” and they began to jump and dance round me 
like young kids. 

“This time it is impossible,” I said; “we know not 
what dangers we may meet. Fritz and I have strength 
to struggle against them, and to bear the fatigue of a 
long journey, which you could not. You must stay 
here with your mother, in safety. We shall take Turk 
with us, and leave Floss to guard you. Such a de- 
fender and a loaded gun are not to be despised.” 

Jack generously offered the whole of his lobster for 
our use on the journey, but Ernest remarked dryly, 

“They will no doubt find plenty of cocoanuts, and 
that will be far nicer than your lobster, Jack.” 

When I desired Fritz to take his gun and an ax, 
with a gamebag, he blushed, and asked my permission 
to choose another instead of his own. 

To this I readily agreed, although I would not notice 
the blush. I knew that he had injured his gun in try- 
ing to strike the dogs on the previous evening, and I 
felt pleased to see that he still remembered his outburst 
of temper with shame. 

I told him, however, to place two small pistols in his 
belt, while I loaded the game-bag with powder and 
shot, some biscuits and a bottle of water. 

By this time breakfast was ready; it consisted of 
the lobster and some biscuits. The flesh, however, of 
the fish was so hard, and of such an unpleasant flavor, 
that no one regretted its loss when Fritz placed what 
remained in the game-bag. 

“We ought to start soon, papa,” he said, “before 
the heat of the day comes on.” 

“Quite right, my boy,” I replied; “but we have for- 
gotten something of great importance. ’ ’ 

40 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Wliat is it he asked; “to say farewell to mamma 
and the boysT^ 

“I know,’^ said Ernest, — “we have not had morning 
prayers yet.’’ 

“ YeSj my boy, that is it. We are apt to forget God 
too easily while we are thinking of the nourishment 
of onr bodies and other requirements of this life, and 
yet we never wanted His succor and protection more 
surely than we do now.” 

Jack, who was behind me, forgot himself in a love 
of fun : he pretended to pull a rope, and shouted, ^ ‘ Bim 
bom, bim bom, bibibom ! To prayers ! to prayers !” in 
imitation of the church bells. 

I turned quickly, exclaiming, “Wicked child, to mix 
up jokes and fun with sacred things ; go away, I shall 
not allow you to kneel with us. ’ ’ 

Jack withdrew and knelt at a distance, and then, 
after beseeching God in His mercy still to protect us, 
and especially to watch over us while we were sep- 
arated, I implored pardon for the little one among us 
who had so thoughtlessly otfended. 

When I had finished. Jack came to me in tears, and 
expressing his sorrow, asked me to forgive him, and 
promised never to commit such a fault again. I read- 
ily pardoned him, and felt thankful as I reflected that 
whatever might be the faults of my children, they were 
always ready to acknowledge themselves wrong, and 
to seek forgiveness. 

Before Fritz and I started, I called the younger 
boys round their mother, and enjoined them to obey 
her in everything implicity. I reminded her also to 
be sure and keep a loaded gun close at hand, and not 
to lose sight of our tub-boat, as in case of alarm it 
would prove a place of refuge. 

At last we separated, not without grief and hesita- 
tion, for we knew not what might happen to us before 
we met again : Fritz and I heard the sorrowful adieus 
41 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of those we left behind till we reached the banks of the 
stream which we intended to cross. 

The ground here rose abruptly, and was so rocky and 
steep that we were obliged to follow the current for a 
long time, to find a spot at which to cross and get far- 
ther inland. I, however, rejoiced over this proof that I 
had left my family safely protected by rocks as lofty 
as I could desire for their defense. 

After walking a long distance, the stream grew 
narrower, and at length we reached its source, from 
which it tumbled over rocks and stones down a preci- 
pice, forming a cascade in its descent. 

Across the narrowest part we contrived to leap from 
stone to stone, and after a struggle over broken rocks 
and tall withered grass, we reached the opposite bank 
in safety; and by endeavoring to descend towards the 
sea, I hoped we should meet fewer obstacles to our 
progress. 

We had not advanced a hundred steps, when we 
heard a strange noise, and a rustling in the grass be- 
hind us. I stopped, and saw Fritz fearlessly raise his 
gun and wait calmly for the unknown enemy, which 
proved to be no other than our dog Turk. In our 
trouble we had forgotten to call him, and he had been 
sent after us. I overwhelmed the animal with caresses, 
and praised Fritz for his steadiness and caution, for 
had he fired through fear he might have killed the dog. 

‘^You see, my son,’’ I said, “how fatal our passions 
are if not under control. Yesterday through your 
anger, and to-day from fear, you might have destroyed 
our best and most useful friends.” 

While conversing thus we reached the sea-shore. 
Here we stood still for awhile, looking in every di- 
rection across the ocean, in the hope of discovering the 
boats containing our fellow-passengers; but not even 
in the sand could we find any trace of the footsteps of 
man. 


42 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘If I were to fire my gun from time to time, and they 
should be on the land, they would perhaps hear it,^^ 
said Fritz. 

‘‘Very likely,’’ I replied; “but these signals might 
bring wild beasts upon us, which would not be very 
agreeable.” 

“Why should we trouble ourselves about those who 
forsook us so cruelly?” asked Fritz. 

“For several reasons, my boy,” I replied; “and 
first, because we ought always to return good for evil, 
and therefore if they could not be useful to us, we 
might help them greatly, for they carried nothing away 
from the wreck.” 

Silently reflecting, we continued our walk inland, 
and at the end of two hours arrived at the entrance of 
a wood, not far from the sea. Here we halted, and 
seated ourselves in the cool shade by a rippling brook 
which flowed under the trees. Around us fluttered 
happy birds of various kinds, twittering and singing 
joyously; but they were less remarkable for sweetness 
of song than for the brightness of their plumage. 

Presently Fritz fancied he saw an ape among the 
foliage, and the uneasiness of Turk, who barked furi- 
ously, confirmed him in his idea. He rose to assure 
himself that he was right, and, while looking up, and 
regardless of his steps, he struck his foot violently 
against something round which had fallen in his path. 

He picked it up, and bringing it to me, he said, 
“What is this, papa? I think it must be the nest of 
some bird.” 

I smiled as I replied, “It is a nut, my boy, a cocoa- 
nut too.” 

“Some birds make round nests, I know,” he per- 
sisted. 

“Certainly they do, but that is no reason that this 
should be a nest. Ho you not remember that the cocoa- 
nut has two shells, the outer one thin and covered with 
43 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fibres, and tbe inner one bard and containing a milky 
fluid? Break it, Fritz, and yon will find tbe inner nut 
or kernel inside. ’ ^ 

He obeyed, but tbe nut was evidently an old one, for 
tbe inside of tbe kernel was quite decayed and unfit to 
eat. 

Fritz was disappointed : be bad expected to find tbe 
sweet milk and tbe white lining to tbe inner shell, and 
asked me a number of questions respecting tbe nut, 
which I answered carefully; and after this lesson in 
natural history I proposed that we should go farther 
into tbe wood, where no doubt grew other cocoanut 
trees, and perhaps meet with a fresher nut. 

We succeeded at last in finding another, but even 
this was unpleasant in taste, and contained no milk. 

A little farther on and the wood became so thick that 
we were obliged to cut our way through with the 
hatchet. At last, when the trees grew farther apart, 
we saw to our right, scattered here and there, solitary 
trees of a peculiar species, which attracted the notice 
of Fritz. 

Presently his keen eyes espied two of such a singu- 
lar appearance that he stopped to examine them, and 
then cried, ‘‘Papa, only look at those trees, with large 
bulbs growing on the trunks: do come and examine 
them. ’ ^ 

I drew nearer, and found to my great satisfaction 
a group of calabash-trees, loaded with fruit. Fritz 
could not understand my pleasure. 

“Whatever can those excrescences be?’’ he asked. 

“We will soon discover the secret,” I replied. 
‘ ‘ Gather one of them, and let us examine the interior. ’ ’ 

Immediately he placed in my hands a common gourd 
or pumpkin, with a shell which seemed to me, however, 
unusually soft. 

“This gourd, Fritz,” I said, “has in general a hard 
dry shell, of which cups, plates, and bottles can be 
44 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


made. The flexible stem of the plant on which it grows 
winds itself round the trunks and boughs of large and 
strong trees, from which the gourd is suspended; and 
can you guess for what reason T’ 

‘^Yes,’’ replied Fritz; ‘‘without this support the 
weight of the gourd would break the branches of the 
plant on which it grows. ’ ^ 

“You have guessed rightly,’’ I replied; “and it will 
prove to you how wisely all things are arranged by 
God.” 

“And are gourds good to eat?” he asked. 

“They are eaten sometimes,” I said, “although they 
are not pleasant to the taste. The shell, however, is 
very useful to savage nations: they make cups, and 
plates, spoons, bottles, and even cooking vessels of it.” 

“Vessels for cooking!” exclaimed Fritz; “why, that 
seems impossible ; the shell would burn if placed on the 
fire. ’ ’ 

“Of course it would,” I replied; “but they manage 
to cook without doing so.” 

“That is a curious idea, to cook without fire.” 

“My boy, you jump to conclusions too quickly. I 
did not say they cooked their food without fire. I wish 
you would reflect before you speak. Let me now ex- 
plain. The natives, when they use the gourd for cook- 
ing, divide the shell into two parts, and fasten a handle 
on each. Into these they pour water, as we should 
into a saucepan, and place in it portions of fish, crab, or 
anything else that they wish to cook. Bed-hot stones 
are then thrown in, which boil the water, and while the 
dinner is being quickly prepared, the shell remains 
unhurt. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps if I had reflected, I should have guessed 
how they managed,” said Fritz; “it is a very clever 
plan, certainly.” 

“And you are as clever as the friends of Columbus. 
After he had discovered how to make an egg stand on 
45 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


its narrowest point, they said anyone might have 
thought of cracking it gently to flatten it, as he did.’’ 

‘‘I suppose I am like the friends of Columbus,” 
said Fritz, laughing; “at all events, I shall be over- 
joyed at being able to provide my mother with spoons 
instead of oyster-shells, as well as cups and basins.” 

Fritz took up a gourd as he spoke, and attempted to 
divide it with his knife, but without success. The blade 
appeared unable to penetrate the shell, and after notch- 
ing his knife and spoiling the gourd, he threw the latter 
away in a pet, wondering at the hardness of a shell 
which seemed so soft. 

“Do not be so hasty, my friend,” I exclaimed; “the 
shell can be opened in another way ; — look here, Fritz. ’ ’ 

He wat led me with surprise as I tied a piece of 
string tig v.ly round the gourd, which slightly opened 
the bark ; I then drew it tighter, and inserted the point 
of my knife in the opening; it became at once an easy 
task to draw the string through the softer part within, 
and so separate the shell into two unequal parts, each 
forming a useful vase like a basin. 

“What a pretty little saucepan!” exclaimed Fritz. 
“Papa, how came you to think of such a clever way!” 

“From the accounts I have read of voyages and 
travels in savage countries,” I replied. “It proves the 
advantage of reading, for in this way I learnt that the 
natives who do not possess knives always open the 
gourds with a piece of string.” 

I then showed him how to form the shell into bottles, 
spoons, and other articles, and as each appeared, he ex- 
pressed his joy at the thought of the useful things he 
should be able to take to his mother. 

“They appear very fragile,” he said at last. 

“That is easily rectified,” I replied; “fill them with 
sand, Fritz, and bury them on the shore; the heat of 
the sun will soon harden them.” 

Fritz appeared greatly satisfied after performing 

46 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


this task, for he had no inclination to carry on our 
exploring expedition such a load as the spoons, cups, 
and basins we had buried in the sand. But we marked 
the spot, that we might find it again on our road home. 

As we continued our walk, Fritz employed himself 
in trying to form a small spoon for little Frank, from 
a piece of the gourd he had thrown away. I also en- 
deavored to fashion another from the cocoanut-shell ; 
but I must own that our productions were not first- 
rate. 

‘‘We recognize the savages as our masters in this 
respect, Fritz. Our spoons are very inferior to 
theirs. ^ ’ 

“Never mind, papa; I shall keep them until we can 
get better. And I quite approved of this intention. 

While thus employed, we did not neglect to examine 
carefully the country through which he passed ; but its 
aspect was not inviting. At length, after walking for 
nearly four hours, we arrived at a kind of peninsula, 
which stretched far out into the sea, and terminated in 
a small but steep hill, the summit of which appeared 
a most convenient spot for taking a survey of the sea 
and the surrounding country. 

Up this we climbed with some difficulty; but when 
we reached the top, a glorious prospect repaid us for 
our trouble. Before us stretched the calm ocean 
sparkling in the sunlight. To our left appeared ^a 
small bay, of which the encircling shore was lost in the 
distant boundary of sea and sky; while almost to the 
water’s edge the rich verdure of the land, notwith- 
standing its want of cultivation, displayed treasures 
unknown in the continent of Europe. 

After gazing with delight on this fertile spot, we 
turned towards the sea, and examined with our glass 
its vast expanse, but no trace of our companions could 
be discovered. The same result followed our search 
through the glass over the inland prospect. No habi- 
47 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


tations of man nor signs of Ms presence could be dis- 
covered. 

The reflection that we were alone saddened me, even 
while the appearance of nature in this fertile spot re- 
lieved us of all fear that we might suffer from hunger. 
Yet this at last consoled me; and I said, after some 
minutes of silence, 

‘‘Fritz, God has prepared for us another destiny to 
the one we anticipated. He has chosen for us the life 
of colonists, and our confidence in our heavenly Father 
has not been misplaced. He orders all things for the 
best, and we will try to be as happy as possible in our 
lonely island.’^ 

‘ ‘ It matters very little to me, ’ ’ said Fritz. ‘ ‘ I would 
rather be alone than have for our companions those 
who so cruelly left us to our fate. We boys will soon 
grow strong enough to help you, papa, and God will 
preserve us.’’ 

“True, my son. I am glad to hear you say this: it 
gives me courage. However, we must not remain here 
any longer in this burning sun. Let us find a shady 
spot in which we may rest while we take some refresh- 
ment. ’ ’ 

As we descended the hill we perceived at some little 
distance a grove of palm-trees ; but to reach it we had 
to cross a large space of ground thickly overgrown with 
tall reeds, so interlaced with each other that our prog- 
ress was most difficult. 

We advanced slowly and cautiously, for at every step 
we feared that we should tread upon venomous snakes. 
I therefore sent Turk on before, that he might give us 
warning; and, as a further means of defense, I cut 
from the reeds, which were tall and thic"k, one of the 
strongest I could find, and carried it in my hand. 

Very soon, to my astonishment, a glutinous liquid 
ran between my fingers. I touched it with my lips, and 
its sweet taste proved to me at once that we had dis- 
48 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


covered a wild overgrowth of sugar-cane. I tasted it 
again, aiid my certainty was confirmed, especially as I 
found the juice very refreshing. 

Presently I told Fritz, who was a little in advance of 
me, to cut a reed as a protection, but I said nothing of 
the sugar. I left to him the pleasure of finding it out 
for himself. 

He obeyed at once, seized the cane, and commenced 
brandishing it over his head and striking the reeds 
right and left, to frighten away the serpents. In so do- 
ing he broke it, and set free an abundance of the juice, 
which streamed upon his hands. 

Without a word he tasted it, and immediately sucked 
his fingers, laughing and jumping for joy as he cried, 

‘‘Papa! oh, papa! it is the sugar-cane! Only taste 
it ! I am sure it is sugar-cane. Ah, how delighted my 
dear mother and the boys will be if I carry some home 
for them!’^ 

While exclaiming in this way, he broke the cane in 
pieces, and sucked it so eagerly, that I was obliged to 
check him, for fear he should make himself ill. 

“We should take in moderation anything that pleases 
the palate,’^ I said, “or what we long for very much 
may become hurtful.’’ 

“I can, however, cut down enough sugar-sticks to 
carry with us, to refresh ourselves on our way home, 
and that mamma and my brothers may share in the 
pleasure of our discovery.” 

“I can have no objection, Fritz ; but will it not be too 
heavy a load to carry such a distance ! ’ ’ 

My advice fell powerless. Fritz cut down a dozen 
of the finest and largest canes, and tied them in a 
bundle, which he took under his arm. We then con- 
tinued our way till the cane forest came to an end, and 
we found ourselves in the grove of palm-trees. 

Seating ourselves beneath the pleasant shade, we 
were glad to rest while partaking of our frugal repast. 
49 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Presently a troop of monkeys, alarmed at onr appear- 
ance as well as at the furious barking of Turk, sprang 
to the tops of the trees with such rapidity, that we 
could not follow their movements with our eyes. 

As soon as they found themselves safe, they com- 
menced jabbering at us with all their might, grinding 
their teeth and uttering the most horrible cries. 

I had only just time to notice that these creatures 
had perched themselves on the cocoanut-trees, and 
therefore that I could make them useful, when I saw 
Fritz throw down his bundle of canes, seize his gun, 
and point it at one of the monkeys. 

My hasty cry arrested his hand. 

‘^What are you about, Fritz? What advantage will 
you gain by destroying even one of those poor ani- 
mals?’’ 

<<Why should they not he killed?” he said, angrily. 
^^Just look how they are showing their teeth at us. 
I believe they are spiteful, malicious creatures.” 

‘‘And do their menaces excite the anger of wise 
Fritz?” I replied. “I am indeed astonished. If an 
animal does us no injury, its death is useless, except 
for food. We ought never to kill them for revenge; 
and I think I know a better way to make them useful 
than if you were to kill a dozen. I am going to try, 
but take care of your head. If my stratagem succeeds, 
they will give us a good return for saving their skins.” 

I picked up some stones as I spoke, which I threw at 
the monkeys, but not high enough to reach them. 
Their rage at this increased to fury, and presently 
they plucked and poured down upon us a perfect hail 
of cocoanuts. The nuts fell around us in every direc- 
tion, and we had to save ourselves as we best could in 
the shelter of the trees, or by jumping aside to avoid 
them. 

Fritz laughed so heartily, that he had scarcely 
strength left to escape ; but when the cocoanut shower 
50 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ceased, he gathered up as many as he could carry 
with eager satisfaction. 

Then we sought for a spot on which to sit and enjoy 
our harvest of nuts, the shells of which we broke with 
a hatchet ; and by making a hole at one end of the ker- 
nel with a knife, and another on the opposite side, we 
were able to suck the milk from it.* It was not ex- 
actly to our taste, but after breaking the inner shell 
we found a white part inside, which, being easily 
scraped off with the new spoons, proved very agree- 
able eating. The juice from the sugar-canes com- 
pleted our delicious feast. 

The remains of the crab, now despised, were given 
to Turk, with a few biscuits, and as even then he did 
not appear satisfied, we threw him some pieces of the 
sugar-cane and cocoa-mits, which he pounced upon 
eagerly, and crunched them between his teeth till not 
a morsel remained. 

After we had finished our repast, I selected a few of 
the cocoanuts, the stalks of which still adhered; these 
I tied together, to enable me to carry them more eas- 
ily. Fritz took up his bundle of sugar-canes, and, 
thus laden, we started on our walk homeward to rejoin 
our family. 

* The milky liquid is only found in the cocoanut while it is unripe. 
As the nut ripens the milk congeals, and gradually grows firm and 
white. When over-ripe, this white substance is hard, and very un- 
wholesome; but in its most perfect state, this lining of the cocoanut 
shell is firm, soft, and sweet. 


51 


CHAPTER IV 

THE HOMEWAED JOURNEY 

I N a very short time I discovered that Fritz began 
to feel the bundle of canes lie heavily on his shoul- 
ders. He shifted it from one to the other continually, 
and at last, placing it under his arm, with a sigh he 
exclaimed, 

‘‘Really, papa, I never could have supposed these 
reeds would prove so heavy; and yet I do wish to carry 
them home, that mamma and my brothers may taste 
them. ’ ’ 

“Patience and courage, my boy,’^ I replied. “Do 
you not recall the fable of ^sop, in which he speaks 
of a bread-basket, so heavy at the commencement of 
a journey, and so light at the end of it? Your burden 
will diminish in the same manner, for we shall have 
occasion often to refresh ourselves before we reach 
home. Give me, therefore, at once a cane, which shall 
be to me a pilgrim’s staff as well as a cruse of honey ; 
and I advise you to follow my example. Besides, if 
you tie the rest tightly to the end of your gun, and 
carry it across your shoulder, you will find the burden 
much lighter. Necessity is the mother of invention, 
and we need our inventive powers more especially 
when our strength fails.” 

As we continued our journey, Fritz remarked that 
I was sucking the end of the cane he had given me, 
and appeared refreshed. 

“How cleverly you manage, papa,” he said; “I have 
tried with all my efforts to obtain sugar from one of 
the canes, but I cannot succeed.” 

52 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘There is a cause for your failure/^ I replied; “re- 
flect a little, and perhaps you will find it out.’^ 

After a few minutes of silence, he exclaimed, 
“Papa, I have discovered the reason: suction re- 
quires air to assist it. I believe if I make a hole just 
above the first joint of the cane, that the juice will 
come. ^ ^ 

While he thus spoke, he pierced a small opening 
with the point of his penknife, and the sweet liquid 
passed freely into his mouth. 

“How wonderful it is, papa!’^ he said, as he walked 
on, much refreshed; “but I cannot quite understand 
why it should require this opening.’’ 

“ It is a natural law, ’ ’ I replied, ‘ ‘ that nature abhors 
a vacuum, or empty space. Therefore, as by suction 
you draw out the air from the hollow cane, the sugar 
juice rushes in to fill up the vacuum. But, my boy, 
we must not be extravagant with our refreshing liquid, 
or we shall have nothing left to carry to the tent but 
dry sticks. Do not let that trouble you, however, for 
the heat of the sun will most likely turn the sweet juice 
sour, after the canes have been cut and exposed to the 
heat of the sun. At all events, I hope we shall have 
enough left to show to your mother and brothers, what 
a discovery we have made. ’ ’ 

“And if not,” said Fritz, “I have some bottles full 
of cocoanut milk in my game-bag, tightly corked down, 
that will be a treat for them. ’ ’ 

“Don’t make too sure, Fritz. You may find a bottle 
full of vinegar instead of cocoanut milk when we reach 
home. When taken out of its natural receptacle, it 
quickly spoils.” 

“Shall we try one now I” he asked. “It would be 
unfortunate to find nothing but vinegar to offer to 
mamma. ’ ’ 

A bottle was taken from the bag; and as we en- 
deavored to force the cork out with a penknife, it burst 
53 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


forth with an explosion like gunpowder, and the con- 
tents flew into the air, frothing and foaming like cham- 
pagne. 

“The movement in walking has caused it to fer- 
ment,’’ I said as I tasted the liquor, “and it is really 
very pleasant and refreshing.” 

Fritz followed my example so eagerly, that I was 
obliged to warn him that drinking too much would in- 
toxicate him, and give him a bad headache next morn- 
ing. 

“Mamma will like this,” he said, as we continued 
our way. 

“I fear not,” was my reply. “The heat will cause 
a repetition of the fermentation, and the next stage 
produces vinegar.” 

While thus conversing, we arrived at the spot where 
we had left our plates, basins, and spoons to harden 
in the sand. We found them so dry and well pre- 
served, that they could easily be carried in the game- 
bag without inconvenience. 

We had scarcely entered the wood in which we had 
dined when Turk rushed past us, barking furiously at 
a group of monkeys, who were enjoying their gambols 
in perfect ignorance of our approach. 

Alarmed at the barking of the dog, they sprang into 
the trees out of his way — all but a female monkey, who 
carried a little one on her back, and could not 
escape. 

Before we reached him, Turk had seized the poor 
animal, and although Fritz rushed to the rescue, throw- 
ing otf his hat and the sugar-canes, he arrived too late 
to save her. The poor creature was dead, and Turk 
preparing to devour it. 

With angry indignation Fritz tried to drive the dog 
away, but as I reached the spot I advised him to desist. 
The unsatisfied hunger of Turk had rendered him 
savage, and therefore dangerous. The conduct of the 
54 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


baby monkey at this moment also diverted his mind 
from the sad spectacle, and caused me great amuse- 
ment. 

It had fallen on the grass when Turk seized its 
mother, and was looking at the dog and making all 
sorts of grimaces. The instant the little one caught 
sight of Fritz, with one spring he jumped on his back 
and clung firmly to his hair. Neither cries nor blows 
on the poor little creature could release Fritz of his 
burden ; and seeing there was no danger, the annoyance 
to Fritz and the grimaces of the little monkey rendered 
it impossible for me to help laughing heartily. 

I hastened, however, to remove the unwelcome 
guest ; and, by caresses and gentleness, I succeeded in 
relieving Fritz of his burden. I took it in my arms 
as I would an infant, and my pity rose for its helpless- 
ness. It was not much larger than a kitten, and evi- 
dently incapable of providing for itself. 

‘^The little creature has lost its mother, and has 
taken you for its adopted father, Fritz, I said, joking 
him. ‘^I wonder what resemblance he finds in you to 
his own family r’ 

^^The little rogue laughed Fritz. ‘^I suppose he 
discovered that I am a good-natured chap and kind to 
animals, so he placed himself under my protection; 
but he has pulled my hair terribly. ’ ’ 

‘^What shall I do with itV^ I said. ‘^If we take it 
home, how are we to feed it in our poverty 

‘‘Father,” said Fritz, “do let me keep it and bring 
it up. We can feed it with cocoanut milk; or if we 
get the cow and the goat from the ship, there will be 
milk to spare. And perhaps the instinct of this little 
creature may help us to discover if the fruits and vege- 
. tables we find are fit for food.” 

“I cannot object, my son,” I replied; “and I am 
pleased to find you have no foolish resentment against 
the poor little beast. You shall bring up your 
55 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


protege; and, according to the manner in which it is 
trained, its instinct will be useful or hurtful.’’ 

Meanwhile, the dreadful dog tranquilly finished his 
horrible meal. But we did not wait for him, although 
he could scarcely be blamed for his animal instincts; 
in fact, the dog was half starved. 

Taking the bundle of sugar-canes and the game-bag, 
I allowed the little monkey to resume his place on the 
shoulders of Fritz, and we continued our walk. 

Presently we heard Turk trotting after us, and al- 
though we overwhelmed him with reproaches for his 
cruel conduct, he did not trouble himself, but walked 
quietly behind Fritz. 

The presence of the dog alarmed the monkey, and 
in his fright he crept over the shoulder of Fritz and 
nestled in his bosom for protection, becoming at last 
very troublesome. 

A sudden thought flashed across the youth’s mind. 
He took a piece of string from his pocket, tied it round 
Turk’s neck, and placed the little monkey on his back. 
He then put the end of the string in the fore paw of the 
tiny cavalier, and addressed Turk in these pathetic 
words : 

‘‘As you have killed the mother, it is but fair that 
you should carry the child yourself.” 

The dog at first objected to this arrangement, but, 
by coaxings and threats, we induced him to submit. 
The little monkey, who at first appeared to dislike his 
new seat, finished at last by making himself comfort- 
able. 

This scheme of Fritz amused me greatly; and pres- 
ently I said, with a laugh, 

“We are approaching our home like two mounte- 
banks going to a fair with a monkey and a performing 
dog. What a clamor of rejoicing there will be when 
the boys see us ! ” 

Still advancing on our way as we talked, we arrived 

56 



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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

near the stream which we had crossed at the falls in 
the morning almost before we were aware. The dog 
Floss, which had been left at the tent, scented ns from 
afar, and saluted our approach by barking loudly. 
Turk barked in reply with all his might, and so alarmed 
his little cavalier, that he sprang from the dog’s back 
to the shoulders of Fritz, and nothing could induce him 
to descend. Then Turk, finding himself free, set off 
to reconnoitre the country, and crossed the river by 
swimming, that he might the more quickly join his 
companions and announce our arrival. 

Very soon the dear ones appeared, one after the 
other, on the opposite bank, to welcome our approach 
and to testify their joy at our happy return. We 
crossed the river at the same spot as in the morning, 
and very soon found ourselves in the arms of each 
other. 

But the children scarcely gave themselves time to 
examine what we had brought before they commenced 
jumping and shouting joyfully. 

‘^Oh, a monkey! Fritz, where did you find itl Oh, 
what a pretty little creature! I wish I knew what it 
could eat. But what are those sticks fori And look 
at those great things papa is carrying.” 

These questions and cries crossed each other so 
rapidly, that we knew not which way to turn or how 
to reply. 

When the first transports were over and they calmed 
down a little, I said, 

‘‘I am overjoyed to see you all once more, my dear 
ones. We have returned in safety, thank God, and we 
have brought you all sorts of good things ; but we have 
not succeeded in finding any trace of our fellow- 
travelers, nor indeed any signs of inhabitants in this 
island. ’ ’ 

‘‘Let us praise God for uniting us once more in 
safety,” said my wife; “and I thank Him that we can 
57 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


still be bappy in our own society and love. And first 
let ns relieve you of your burdens. ’ ’ 

Jack immediately took my gun, Ernest loaded him- 
self with the cocoanuts, Frank carried the spoons and 
plates made from the gourds, and my wife the game- 
bag. Fritz untied the sugar-canes from his gun, and 
asked Ernest to carry them, while he again placed the 
little monkey on Turk’s back. 

Ernest, although he carried the cocoanuts, could not 
refuse ; but he appeared so laden, that his mother, out 
of pity, took the nuts from him. 

^‘Ah,” said Fritz, ^^if Ernest only knew what he had 
given up, he would soon ask for them again. They are 
cocoanuts, Ernest, the dear nuts that you are so fond 
of.” 

‘‘Cocoanuts!” he exclaimed. “Ah, mamma, let me 
have them again. I can carry them easily, gun and 
all.” 

“No, no, my child; I shall, perhaps, hear you com- 
plaining again presently how the load fatigues you.” 

“I can throw away these sticks, then, and carry the 
gun in my hand. ’ ’ 

“Throw away these sticks! will youF’ cried Fritz. 
“Why, they are sugar-canes. Come here, Ernest, and 
I will show you how to get at the sugar. ’ ’ 

“Sugar-canes! sugar-canes!” was the general cry, 
as the boys all clustered round Fritz, and begged him 
to relate how and where he discovered them. 

And so one thing after another was described and 
explained; yet, after all, nothing gave more complete 
satisfaction than the cups, plates, and spoons made out 
of the gourds from the calabash-tree. 

When we reached the tent, I found a wonderful re- 
past preparing for us at the cooking-place. 

Upon a large fire burning on the stone hearth stood 
the iron pot full of soup. From a piece of wood, which 
rested at each end on two other pieces fixed in the 
58 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ground, hung a goose roasting, the fat falling into 
dried oyster-shells underneath it. 

Several kinds of fish were cooking on the hot stones ; 
and, best of all, there stood at a little distance one of 
the chests I had saved from the wreck. My wife and 
the boys had contrived to drag it up from the river- 
side and open it, and I could see it contained a large 
number of Dutch cheeses wrapped in thin sheets of 
lead. 

All this was very tempting to travelers whose 
hunger was far from being satisfied. 

‘‘It appears to me, my dear children, that you cer- 
tainly have not been idle during our absence; yet it 
was almost a pity so soon to kill one of our geese. I 
wished so much to spare the denizens of our farm- 
yard. ’ ’ 

“Do not be uneasy, dear husband, said the wife; 
“that is not one of our geese, but a wild bird with a 
singular name which Ernest killed, and he assures me 
it is very good eating.’’ 

“I believe it is a penguin, papa,” said Ernest; “and 
I call it a booby because it allowed me to kill it so easy- 
ily with a stick. After it was dead I felt sorry, for it 
appeared so tame.” 

“What sort of feet and beak has this bird?” I 
asked. 

“It has the feet of aquatic birds,” replied Ernest, 
“for all the four toes are united by a membrane. The 
beak is long, slender, and strong; a little curved at the 
extremity, and exactly like the description of a pen- 
guin which I read in my Natural History at home. I 
have saved the head and neck to show you, papa.” 

“I do not doubt you are right, my boy; and it proves 
to you how much may be learnt by reading atten- 
tively. ’ ’ 

“Come, now,” said his mother, “let us drop discus- 
sion. Do you not observe how the eyes of Ernest are 
59 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fixed on the cocoanuts while he talks? Let him have 
the pleasure of tasting as well as carrying them. ’ ’ 

“Willingly/^ I replied, ‘^but Fritz must show him 
how to obtain the milk by suction; and the poor little 
monkey must not be forgotten.” 

^^But he won’t take anything, papa,” said Jack. 
have tried him with all I can think of . ” 

‘‘We must try him presently with the milk of the 
cocoanut,” I said. “No doubt he will drink that.” 

My wife summoned us to supper, and we all seated 
ourselves on the ground, with the spoons, basins, and 
plates made from the calabash-tree, which we found 
most useful. I broke the outer covering of two cocoa- 
nuts for them, and they quite enjoyed the white lining 
of the inner shell after I had extracted the milk. 

Some of this was saved for the monkey, and the boys, 
after dipping the corners of their handkerchiefs in 
it, were delighted to find that the little creature could 
suck them eagerly, for now there was hope of rearing 
him to a full-grown ape. 

I promised to show the boys how to make spoons and 
cups from the cocoanut-shells, which they were very 
anxious to do; and the mother was delighted to find 
she need not again serve out the soup in oyster-shells. 
We enjoyed our supper, although no one liked to try 
the penguin till I set them the example. It had rather 
a taste of train oil ; however, we managed to eat some 
of it. 

I forgot to mention, that while we were enjoying the 
fish, which were very good, Fritz asked if his niother 
would not like to taste the cocoanut champagne. 

‘ ‘ Taste it first yourself, Fritz, ’ ’ I said, ‘ ‘ so that you 
may know what you are about to offer to your mother. ’ ’ 

“Ho!” he exclaimed presently, with a wry face, “it 
is vinegar I” 

“As I expected, my boy; but never mind, vinegar 
is very good with fish ; ’ ’ and as I spoke I poured some 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


into my gourd basin, and the rest followed my ex- 
ample. 

Then, while we ate for dessert, cheese, cocoanuts, 
and sngar-cane juice, each related his exploits, and 
explained how the fish, the penguin, the cocoanuts, 
the sugar-canes, and so on, were found. 

It was near sunset by the time we had finished, and 
necessary, therefore, to prepare our beds for the night. 
My wife and the boys had provided a large quantity 
of dry moss and grass to spread on the floor of our 
tent, and we expected, in consequence, to find our beds 
softer than on the preceding night. 

The fowls were already gone to roost on the ridge 
of the tent, and the geese and ducks had betaken them- 
selves to their night quarters. And after offering our 
evening prayer, we entered the tent. The baby ape 
entered with us, and Fritz and Jack took the little 
motherless creature to sleep between them, to protect 
him from the cold. 

My wife and the boys lay down to rest, and after I 
had closed the entrance to the tent, I followed their 
example, and, overcome with the fatigues of the day, 
soon slept as soundly as they did. 

We had not been asleep long, however, when I was 
aroused by the restless movements of the fowls and the 
barking and yelping of the dogs. Seizing my gun, I 
rushed out quickly, followed by my wife and Fritz, 
who were also armed. 

In amazement I perceived, by the light of the moon, 
that a great battle was going on at a little distance, be- 
tween a number of jackals and our brave dogs. Al- 
ready they had settled three or four of their assailants, 
and those who remained surrounded them, hoping to 
take them at a disadvantage; but the two courageous 
animals kept them at bay and would not allow them to 
approach. We were just in time to save them from 
being overpowered. Fritz and I fired together, two 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of the jackals fell dead on the sand; and onr second 
volley wounded others, while the rest took to flight. 

The dogs quickly dispatched the wounded, and after 
waiting a few minutes to see if any returned, we were 
about to reenter the tent, when Fritz asked permission 
to bring the jackal he had killed away from the dogs, 
who were proving their brotherhood to the wild ani- 
mals of their species by devouring their remains. He 
wished to preserve it, to show to his brothers in the 
morning as a proof of his prowess, and his mother 
readily gave him permission. Not without great ef- 
forts, however, could he drag the dead body of the ani- 
mal to the tent, for it was unusually large. He suc- 
ceeded at last in hiding it among the rocks behind our 
tent, and then we returned to the sleepers, who had 
not been disturbed by the unusual noise. 

We fell asleep again almost immediately, and did not 
wake till the crowing of the cocks announced the return 
of the sun. 


62 


CHAPTER V 


A SUCCESSFUL VOYAGE 

M y first thoughts, on waking, made me anxious. So 
many duties pressed upon me, that I at once be- 
gan to consult my wife, and seek her advice. 

‘‘What shall I undertake first to-day, dear wife?’’ I 
said. ‘ ‘ I know a voyage to the ship is alDSolutely neces- 
sary, if we wish to save the animals from starving; 
and there are so many things on the wreck that would 
he useful to us. On the other hand, we have much to 
do here, and above all to construct a new dwelling- 
place. ’ ’ 

“Do not be uneasy, dear husband,” she replied; 
“with patience, order, and persevering diligence, all 
will be accomplished in time ; and most certainly a voy- 
age to the wreck is first necessary, for should a storm 
arise, everything on board would be lost. ‘Take no 
thought for to-morrow, for the morrow will take 
thought for the things of itself,’ said the great Friend 
of mankind, and we must not anticipate evil, but trust 
in Him to guide us in all we do. ’ ’ 

This advice so agreed with my own wishes, that I 
determined to follow it; and, after arranging that the 
younger hoys should remain on shore with their 
mother, and Fritz accompany me, I roused the sleepers. 

“Up! up! children!” I cried. “It is bright day- 
light, and we have so much to perform to-day. ‘The 
morning hour carries gold in its mouth.’ ” 

But the younger boys found it no easy matter to 
rouse themselves so quickly; they yawned, stretched 
and twisted about, to drive sleep from their evelids, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


for a long time before they could feel quite awake. 

Fritz, who had an object in view, was ready soon, 
and rushed out of the tent to find the dead jackal, 
which he had concealed among the rocks. The cold 
night air had stiffened it, so that he could easily stand 
it on its legs at the entrance of the tent, like a sentry. 
Then he waited impatiently for his brothers to appear, 
and wondered what they would say. 

But Fritz had forgotten the dogs. No sooner did 
they catch sight of one of their enemies on his legs, 
than they rushed forward to attack it, barking and 
yelping furiously ; and it was only with great difficulty 
that he kept them from destroying the animal, which 
they supposed to be alive. 

Meanwhile those in the tent were wondering what 
could be the matter with the dogs. But they were still 
more surprised as they came out, one by one, at the 
appearance of the strange animal keeping watch at the 
entrance. The little monkey peeped out, with a Iciok 
of fear; but no sooner did he perceive the jackal than 
he rushed into the farthest comer of the tent, and 
buried himself in one of the beds of moss so com- 
pletely, that he entirely disappeared from our sight, 
excepting the tip of his nose. 

Many opinions were offered by the boys about the 
strange animal. Ernest said it was a fox, Jack a wolf, 
and Frank called it a yellow dog. 

‘‘Ho, ho!’^ cried Fritz; “my learned Doctor Ernest, 
you recognized the agouti, but you are mistaken now. 
A fox, indeed!’’ 

“I intended to say a golden fox,” said Ernest. 

“You might just as well talk of a golden wolf,” re- 
plied Fritz, with an irritating laugh. 

“How teasing you are, Fritz,” said Ernest, in a 
fretful voice, “because I am mistaken for once: you 
would not have known what it was yourself, if papa 
had not told you, I dare say. ’ ’ 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


“Come, come, my children, do not quarrel about the 
animal,” I said; “Ernest, my hoy, you must not be so 
sensitive when you make mistakes; and, Fritz, your 
jokes are not always kind. Besides, your brothers 
were all right in one respect. The jackal is said by 
naturalists to belong to the same family as the fox, 
the wolf, and the dog.” 

My words produced peace, and then eager inquiries 
were made about what had occurred in the night ; and 
the boys listened to our account of the battle between 
the dogs and the jackals with great interest. Then 
we assembled once more for our morning prayer, and 
asked God to guide and protect us during the day. 

At breakfast we were obliged to content ourselves 
with biscuits, which were so hard, that our teeth could 
scarcely break them. In this extremity, Fritz asked 
for cheese, and went behind the tent to procure some 
from the cask. Ernest followed him, and presently 
returned with a bright face, and exclaimed, 

“Oh, papa, if we could only open that other cask!” 

“What cask, and why!” 

‘“Well, there is a large cask just outside, and 
through a little crack some grease runs out ; and I am 
sure it looks exactly like butter.” 

“If what you say is true, my boy,” I exclaimed, 
“you shall have the first slice of bread and butter, as 
a reward for your discovery.” 

We all sallied out to examine this wonderful cask, 
and very quickly proved that the boy was right. An- 
other difficulty arose, how should we contrive to ob- 
tain the butter! Fritz wanted at once to take off the 
first hoop, and open one end of the cask; but I told 
him that the staves would become loosened and sep- 
arate, and the heat very soon melt the butter. 

I resolved at length to make an opening, large 
enough to admit a little wooden spade, and with this 
take out as much as we required at a time. My plan 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


succeeded, and in a few minutes we obtained a cocoa- 
nut-cup full of beautiful salt butter. We softened the 
biscuits easily now, by covering them with butter and 
holding them to the fire till it melted, so that, after all, 
we had a delicious breakfast. During our meal, the 
dogs lay quietly by our side, and did not seem at all 
anxious for their share of our breakfast. Presently 
it occurred to me, that they could not possibly have es- 
caped, in such a battle as theirs during the night, with 
a whole skin. I examined the poor animals, and found 
that they had been bitten and wounded in several 
places, especially about the neck. My wife was 
touched with compassion at the sight, and she pro- 
posed to rub the places with butter, as a salve. I 
spoke of the salt, but she quickly overcame that diffi- 
culty, by washing the butter : then giving it to Jack, she 
desired him to take the dogs under his care, and care- 
fully anoint their wounds with the butter. 

This plan proved successful : the animals very 
shortly commenced licking their wounds, and in a few 
days they were completely healed. 

‘Mf we could find some spiked collars on the ship,’’ 
said Fritz, while Jack entered upon his task, ‘4t would 
be a protection to our brave dogs ; for the jackals, hav- 
ing once discovered traces of our whereabouts, will be 
sure to pay us another visit. ’ ’ 

‘‘Oh!” cried Jack, “I can make some spiked collars, 
and good ones too, if mamma will help me. ’ ’ 

“I can promise you that, little boaster,” replied his 
mother: “and we shall see what powers of invention 
you possess.” 

“That’s right, my little man,” I said, “exercise the 
inventive faculty, and if you produce something use- 
ful, all the honor will be yours. But it is time for us 
to commence our work. Get ready, Fritz : your 
mother and I have decided that you shall accompany 
me to the vessel, to assist in bringing away what still 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


remains, and you, my dears, must stay with your 
mother. Be obedient to her, my children, and pray 
to God to bring us back to you again in safety.’’ 

While Fritz prepared our little bark for the trip, I 
planted upon a rock on the shore a pole, with a piece 
of sail-cloth attached to it, to serve as a signal to us 
on the wreck, from those on the shore. It was agreed 
that, in case of danger, the flag should be lowered, and 
a gun fired three times, to recall us. 

I prepared my wife for the possibility that she would 
have to remain with the hoys alone all night, and 
begged her not to be alarmed because our work on the 
wreck might detain us too late. But her courage con- 
tinued unshaken. 

We took only our guns and ammunition with us, for 
we knew that sufficient provisions could be found on 
the wreck. And as I was about to step into our tub- 
boat, Fritz appeared with the little monkey on his 
shoulder, being anxious, as soon as possible, to obtain 
for the poor creature fresh milk. 

We left the banks of the river in sadness and silence, 
Fritz rowing with all his strength, and I steering. 
When we reached mid-stream, we found that the river 
had two openings into the bay and round a small is- 
land. The current in one being stronger than the 
other, I endeavored to steer the boat in that direction, 
and with success. 

This current carried us gently three-fourths of our 
way, with very little exertion on our parts to maintain 
the boat in a right direction, and by a far shorter route 
than we had taken when we left the wreck. 

We arrived safe at last, and moored our little boat 
alongside the vessel, which we entered at the opening 
already made when we escaped. 

No sooner had we reached the deck, than Fritz, with 
the little monkey in his arms, ran towards the place in 
which we had left the animals, which, by their bleat- 
67 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing, lowing, and granting, seemed delighted to see ns. 
Hunger could not have caused this evident pleasure, 
for they had plenty of food and water. 

Without a word, Fritz placed the monkey near the 
goat, while I looked on with amusement at his eager 
anxiety to obtain suitable nourishment for the mother- 
less animal. He had not to wait long. The goat 
readily received it as her foster-child, and in a very 
few minutes Master Monkey, with many grimaces, was 
enjoying a delicious feast of goat^s milk. 

After we had supplied the animals with fresh food 
and water, we commenced a search for provisions for 
ourselves, to give us strength to work, and quickly 
found all we needed. 

Then followed the question, What shall be done 
first? Fritz proposed that we should have a sail for 
our little boat. 

^‘That does not appear to me at all necessary,’^ I 
said, ^‘at least, when we have other things of ten times 
more importance to attend to ; but what are your rea- 
sons, Fritz? 

‘‘Well,’’ he said, “while we crossed this morning, I 
noticed that the. wind blew strongly in my face, yet the 
current carried us on in spite of it. When we return, 
the current will not help us, but the wind would, if we 
had a sail. Besides, our boat will be heavy, when we 
have on board so many things, and my single oar will 
be of very little use.” 

This idea of Fritz about a sail appeared so excel- 
lent, that I determined to take his advice. A sail-yard 
was quickly found, of which to make a mast, and an- 
other, thinner, by which I could regulate the sail. 
While Fritz bored a hole with a chisel in one of the 
tubs, I went to the sail-room and cut oft a piece of 
cloth, in the form of a triangle, which I fitted with 
cords, pulleys, and rings, to the mast, so that I could 
raise it and lower it at will. Then, with the assistance 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of Fritz, I fixed it in our little boat, and fastened ropes 
and cords to draw through the rings at the top and 
sides; and Fritz, when he saw it all completed, ex- 
pressed his delight, and declared that our little bark 
was now quite fitted for a long voyage. 

He had taken a survey of the shore through his glass, 
and informed me that all appeared safe among our 
dear ones on the land. At the same time he brought 
me a little colored silk kerchief, which he. asked me to 
fasten to the top of the mast, as a pennant. I smiled 
to myself at this boyish vanity, in the midst of our pre- 
carious position ; but I did what he asked me, and pres- 
ently the little streamer was gayly waving in the wind. 

^^Papa,’’ he said, after a few moments of silence, 
^^you have given me a sail to save me from fatigue in 
rowing, and now you ought to think of yourself. Can 
we not find some way to enable you to steer with more 
ease and safety!^’ 

‘^The idea is a good one,’’ I said, ‘‘and I think it 
can be managed;” so I attached to each end of the 
boat two thick cords, to one of which was adapted an 
oar, and I found I could work it myself with as much 
ease as the tiller, and thus make my steering more 
sure. 

All this occupied a long time, and I quickly found 
that, unless we returned with an empty boat, we could 
not possibly reach the shore before night. We had ar- 
ranged, as a signal of our intention to remain on the 
wreck all night, to raise a flag, and we hastened to do 
so while daylight continued, that it might be more 
easily distinguished. 

The remainder of the day was employed in remov- 
ing from our boat the stones and other useless things 
we had thrown in as ballast, replacing them with ar- 
ticles of more importance. To obtain these, we plun- 
dered the ship like Vandals, and accumulated a rich 
booty. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Foreseeing that we might have to remain a long 
time in our solitude, we stowed away in our tub-boat 
a large supply of powder and shot, to serve us in the 
chase, and as a defense against wild beasts. All the 
tools which had been stored in reserve appeared to us 
of inestimable value.* It was, indeed, difficult to 
choose, amidst so many useful articles. However, we 
supplied ourselves with those most required in our 
present need. Knives, forks, spoons, and cooking 
vessels, and some silver articles, which we found in 
the captain ^s cabin, with a splendid telescope, several 
pewter plates and dishes, and a case of wine, well filled ; 
gridirons, a roasting-jack, saucepans, kettles, and fry- 
ing-pans, — all were carried to our boat and placed in 
the tubs. Besides these, we provided ourselves with a 
good supply of eatables, — two Westphalian hams, and 
several bags of wheat, barley, oats, and other grain. 
In fact, I was anxious to take as much as we could pos- 
sibly carry, because the ship, being so deep in the 
water, it was not unlikely that in the first storm she 
would fall to pieces. 

Fritz reminded me that our beds in the tent were 
hard and cold at night. We therefore added to our 
cargo the contents of several hammocks and a few 
woollen coverlets. Fritz, who seemed to fancy we 
could never be sufficiently armed, carried to the boat a 
gun, a sword, a saber, a hunting-knife, and a small 
barrel of powder, while I discovered a flask of brim- 
stone and a roll of sail-cloth, which could not be left be- 
hind. 

By this time our little boat was so deep in the water, 
that I should have been obliged to lighten it but for 
the smooth and tranquil sea ; yet, as we determined to 

* From the large stores on board, it might appear that the vessel was 
laden with articles to establish a colony in one of the South Sea islands ; 
this is afterwards stated in the original German as a fact, and accounts 
for the quantity of needful things found in the wreck. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sleep on board the boat, we provided ourselves with 
swimming vests, to be able to escape more easily in 
case of danger. 

As may be supposed, the night came on before we 
had quite finished our work. I was therefore de- 
lighted to see the blaze of a large fire on the rocks, 
which our dear ones had lighted to prove that all was 
well. In return we attached four ship’s lanterns to 
the wreck as a signal that we were safe, and the re- 
port of two guns from the shore told us that it was 
recognized and understood. 

After our evening prayer to Heaven for protection 
to them and ourselves, we laid ourselves down to rest ; 
and although our position in the little tub-boat was 
not quite comfortable, we slept soundly from fatigue 
till morning. 


( 


71 


CHAPTER VI 


A LIVING FREIGHT 

E arly the next morning, before it was light 
enough to distinguish the opposite coast, I was 
up on the deck of the wrecked vessel, and directing 
my telescope towards the tent which sheltered my 
family. 

Meanwhile Fritz prepared a good breakfast, and we 
placed ourselves while partaking of it in a position to 
enable us to watch the shore. Very soon I saw with 
joy my wife leave the tent and look earnestly towards 
the ship. Instantly we hoisted a piece of white linen 
in the air, and received in reply a triple salute from 
the flag which we had placed on the shore. At this a 
great weight was lifted from my heart, for I knew 
that all was well with those I had left behind. As soon 
as we had finished breakfast, I said, 

‘^Now, Fritz, I think we ought to lose no time in get- 
ting away from the vessel; but as I am assured that 
those on shore are safe, my compassion is awakened for 
the poor animals we are about to leave on the wreck, 
and who are in danger every moment of perishing with 
it. Willingly would I give up some of the things with 
which we had loaded our boat, could we manage to get 
them on shore.” 

‘‘If we constructed a raft, we might take them all,” 
said Fritz. 

“A raft is not so easy to make as you imagine, 
Fritz,” I replied, “especially without proper ma- 
terials.” 

After a slight pause, Fritz exclaimed, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Could we not fasten round the smaller animals the 
cork girdles- that we made for ourselves? It would be 
great fun to see them swimming like fishes.’’ 

‘‘It may be managed in some way, Fritz,” I replied, 
eagerly. “Let us make the attempt at once.” 

But these girdles with the tin water-flasks were too 
weak to support the larger animals, and another plan 
suggested itself. 

Four empty casks were found, which we fastened to- 
gether with a piece of sail-cloth, not close to each other, 
but far enough apa2*t for the cloth to pass under the 
animal and support it, while the casks hung on each 
side like panniers. These were placed under the cow 
and the donkey, and the sail-cloth and the tubs fast- 
ened by straps across their backs.* 

Bound the horns of the cow and the neck of the ass 
was placed a cord, with a piece of wood at the end, so 
that we might guide them in the water. 

For the sheep and the goat the cork girdles were 
found sufficient, but the sow was very troublesome, 
and we had to tie her up before we could bind the float 
around her. At last our task was completed. Each 
animal had a string attached by which we could ^ide 
it ; and then came the difficulty of launching our living 
freight into the sea. 

We led them to the lower part of the ship, and made 
the first experiment by giving the donkey a push into 
the water. He fell with great force, but recovered 
himself quickly, and began to swim between his two 
casks with a grace and ease that made Fritz clap his 
hands in delight. 

The cow’s turn came next, and as she was of far 
more value to me than the ass, I confess I felt very 
anxious; but I pushed her in gently, and with equal 
success. The two casks supported her in the water. 


* Just as the baskets in which little children ride are fastened on each 
side of donkeys or ponies. 


73 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and she commenced swimming with the sang-froid 
which characterizes her species. 

We managed the smaller animals easily, excepting 
the sow, who resisted furiously; and when at last she 
was forced into the water, she swam so quickly away 
from the boat, that to reach the guiding string would 
have been impossible, so we were obliged to leave her 
to her fate. 

After this we did not lose a moment, but detached 
our cables, jumped into our boat, and were very soon 
in the open sea, surrounded by the animals. We 
united all the strings and fastened them to the boat, 
and commenced our voyage towards the shore with a 
favorable wind, which filled the little sail and carried 
us forward pleasantly. In fact, we found the assist- 
ance of the wind of great service, for the animals 
weighed heavily upon our little skiff ; and without the 
sail, rowing would have been hard work. 

All went on so favorably, that Fritz and I seated 
ourselves in the tubs and took some refreshment. 

While Fritz amused himself with his monkey, I again 
fixed my telescope on the shore to observe my family. 
They had shown themselves just before we started on 
our homeward voyage, but I had seen no trace of them 
since. 

But our exertions in saving the poor animals from 
the wreck would have been useless if the sharp eyes 
of Fritz had not discovered in time a threatened dan- 
ger. 

‘^Good Heavens!” he exclaimed, all at once, ‘‘we 
are lost! A monster fish is coming towards us!” 

“Lost! How?” I cried, half angry, half alarmed. 

But as Fritz seized his gun and loaded it, I saw the 
creature approaching, and followed his example. 

“Be ready to fire,” I said, quickly, as the monster 
with lightning speed drew nearer, as if about to seize 
the nearest sheep. At the same instant Fritz, who is a 
74 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


good marksman, fired, and both balls entered the head 
of the creature, which immediately plunged and disap- 
peared. From time to time he rose to the surface at 
a greater distance from us, showing the shining scales 
on his body, while a long track of blood on the water 
marked his course, and convinced us that the shot had 
taken effect. However, I looked around me very care- 
fully in case the monster should appear again, intend- 
ing this time to give him a double dose. 

^‘He has had enough of it,’^ said Fritz. 

‘‘You have been unusually successful, my boy,’^ I 
replied; “for these animals are not easily frightened, 
and' it is very difficult to wound them with firearms. 
From what I could see of it the monster is, I believe, a 
shark ; and this voracious fish will return only too will- 
ingly to a place where he knows that prey is to be 
found.’’ 

After this Fritz reloaded his gun and I redoubled my 
watchfulness, but the monster thought good to leave 
us at peace. I therefore again seized the rudder, and 
as the wind blew favorably towards the bay, I guided 
our little ship in that direction, and, after a few turn- 
ings and windings, arrived at a spot from whence the 
animals might be able to land easily. I then set them 
free from the rop.es ; and while I lowered the sail they 
scrambled on to the beach, and presently our little 
boat lay alongside the old landing-place. 

No one was there to welcome us, which made me feel 
anxious, for night was approaching, and I knew not 
where to look for them. 

But we had scarcely stepped on shore and relieved 
the animals from the ropes that bound them to the 
boat, when sounds of joy rang in our ears, and pres- 
ently a little band came jumping and dancing towards 
us, followed by their mother. 

After the first transports of joy at this happy re- 
union had passed and we became calm, I began to de- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


scribe some of oiir exploits and the success of our ex- 
pedition. But to my wife the greatest wonder ap- 
peared to be that we had managed to bring the animals. 

‘‘Fritz suggested the plan of bringing them on 
floats,’’ I said. “I must give him the credit of that.” 

“But you have carried it out famously,” said my 
wife; “and I must thank you both, for you have saved 
that which appears to me in our position the most 
necessary and the most valuable.” 

Presently little Frank disturbed our conversation 
by crying out, 

“What a pretty little red flag you have flying at the 
top of the mast, Fritz ! See how it flutters in the 
wind ! ” 

Before Fritz could reply Ernest made his appear- 
ance. He jumped on board and admired the mast, 
the sail, and the little red pennant, and anxiously in- 
quired how we had contrived to make it so cleverly. 

I interrupted the conversation by saying that we had 
our boat to unload. 

This was not the kind of work to please Jack, so he 
made his escape, and ran to see the cattle. 

Fritz and I had only been able to release the cow from 
the casks, therefore Jack found plenty of employment 
in taking off the swimming-belts from the sheep and 
the goats. Presently, however, he spied the donkey 
with his tub panniers. These he tried in vain to re- 
move ; and finding it beyond his power, he jumped upon 
the donkey’s back in spite of the casks, and rode to 
meet us in grand style, forcing the animal forward with 
his hands and heels. 

It was impossible to help laughing at the singular 
spectacle; but as I lifted the little man down I felt still 
more amused. He wore a belt covered with hair, in 
which was stuck a pair of small pistols. 

“Where on earth did you find that smuggler’s cos- 
tume?” I asked. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘I made it myself, papa,’’ lie replied. ‘‘And look 
at the dogs. ’ ’ 

I turned at the words, and saw to my surprise that 
each of them wore a collar stuck full of nails with the 
points outward, and forming an excellent shield against 
the attacks of wild beasts. 

“Well,” I said, “this is a clever invention, my boy. 
Is it all your own!” 

“Yes, papa,” said Jack. “Mamma only helped me 
when there was something to sew. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ But where did you get the skin and the needle and 
thread!” 

“I brought needles and thread in my bag from the 
ship,” said his mother; “and the collars are made of 
the jackal’s skin as well as Jack’s girdle.” 

Fritz felt rather annoyed at hearing that Jack had 
cut up the jackal’s skin, but he concealed his displeas- 
ure as well as he could. While Jack stood near him, 
however, he exclaimed, suddenly, 

‘ ‘ Oh, what an unpleasant smell ! Where does it come 
from!” 

“Perhaps it is my belt,” said Jack. “No wonder 
it smells bad, for you left the dead animal exposed 
to the sun to corrupt. My belt will lose the odor when 
the skin is dry.” 

“Ah, well,” I said, “till it is dry Jack must place 
himself to leeward. ’ ’ 

At this the boys laughed, and exclaimed, “To lee- 
ward, Jack! to leeward. Jack!” But Jack did not 
trouble himself about sensitive noses. He strutted 
up and down, quite proud of his girdle, and assumed 
a martial air which was most amusing. 

At last I said, “Come, my boys, throw the dead 
jackal into the sea; Jack’s girdle will lose all smell 
when it is dry.” 

The boys readily obeyed, and then I gave them an- 
other object of interest. I perceived that my wife was 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


making preparations for supper, and I whispered to 
Fritz to fetch one of the Westphalia hams which still 
lay in the tub. I saw by the looks of the hoys that 
they longed to ask questions; but as Fritz in a few 
minutes returned, there was a general cry, 

^ ‘ Oh, what a treat ! A ham ! mamma, a ham ! How 
nice it looks ! ^ ^ 

‘‘Ah!’^ exclaimed my wife, ‘^you must restrain your 
longing till to-morrow; it will be so much nicer when 
it is cooked. Besides, I have a dozen eggs for supper 
which we found on our travels to-day, and Ernest 
thinks they are the eggs of a turtle. I shall he able 
to make a splendid omelette, for we have plenty of 
butter, and you have brought a frying-pan from the 
ship. ’ ’ 

am sure they are turtles’ eggs,” said Ernest; 
“for they are like a white ball, and soft to the touch, 
like parchment; besides, we found them among the 
sand on the sea-shore. ’ ’ 

“You are quite right, my boy,” I said; “but how 
did you discover them?” 

“Oh!” said his mother, “that belongs to the history 
of our day’s adventures, which you shall hear at an- 
other time. ’ ’ 

“Very well,” I said; “cook the omelette, and while 
we are at supper, we will listen to an account of your 
day’s performances as our dessert. As to the ham, I 
assure you it is very good even raw, as Fritz and I 
found to-day by experience. However, I believe it will 
be much better when cooked, so while you make your 
omelette and fry a few slices of the ham for our sup- 
per, we will go and look after the animals. ’ ’ 

At these words I rose, and the boys all followed me 
gladly. Jack had succeeded in setting them all free, 
excepting the sow, who would let no one approach her. 
Ernest, however, called the dogs, and they quickly 
checked her movements by seizing her ears and holding 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


her, while we removed the swimming girdle; then we 
fetched a few knives, forks, spoons, and plates, from 
the boat, and returned to the tent. 

Our repast proved delicious. Fried ham, cheese, 
biscuits, and a good omelette formed a splendid feast, 
and there was plenty to spare for the dogs, the sheep 
and goats, the chickens and pigeons, who quickly as- 
sembled near us, to gather up what remained. 

As to the ducks and geese, although they were close 
at hand, they did not favor us with their society: they 
preferred the delights of their own native element at 
a little distance, in which they could enjoy themselves, 
and where they found a delicate feast in tiny fresh 
water-crabs and worms. 

After supper, I sent Fritz to the boat for a bottle of 
canary wine, from the case we had found in the cap- 
tain’s cabin; and then I asked my wife to relate the ad- 
ventures and discoveries made by herself and the boys 
during the day. So interesting was the narrative, that 
no one seemed to care for the wine, until a pause oc- 
curred in the conversation. 

The narrative will appear in the next chapter. 


79 


CHAPTER VII 


ANOTHER EXPLORING EXPEDITION 

‘ ^XTOW,’^ said my wife, ‘H think you will be pleased 

l\l to hear my adventures. I have been ready to 
relate them all the evening, hut to get in a word in the 
midst of your wonderful descriptions was impossible. 
However, there is an old proverb that says, ‘ The longer 
the water is gathering, the fuller it will flow,’ and ‘Bet- 
ter late than never. ’ 

“I need not say much about the occurrences of the 
first day of your absence, for, in truth, I was too un- 
easy to commence any undertaking with the boys, or 
to leave our landing-place. 

“This morning, however, I was on the beach early, 
and noticed your signal that all was safe, with great 
joy and a thankful heart, and after replying to it, I 
sought for a shady place, that I might sit alone and 
' reflect before calling the boys. 

“I found a quiet spot near our tent, and, sitting 
down, began to think earnestly of our position. It is 
impossible, I said to myself, that we can remain on 
this part of the island, even in our tent, exposed dur- 
ing the day to the burning heat of the sun ; for his rays 
through the sail-cloth which covers it are doubly op- 
pressive. 

“All at once I thought. While my husband and son 
are working on the ship, cannot I and the boys try to 
explore the country! We should gain courage and 
strength, and perhaps find a more pleasant and shady 
spot on which to dwell, than this exposed and rocky 
coast. I recalled your description of the beautiful 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fields and meadows through which you had passed, 
and thought we could find the way by crossing the brook 
at the falls, as you had done. 

‘‘Having decided on this undertaking, I returned to 
the tent, and found the hoys had risen, and Jack 
busy with the skin of Fritz’s jackal. He had cut sev- 
eral strips of it, about a hand’s breadth wide, and from 
this he was scraping the flesh. I advised him to put it 
aside till after breakfast, which he willingly did, after 
nailing it to a tree to dry. 

“After breakfast he again set to work diligently. 
On the stretched strips of skin he placed pieces of sail- 
cloth, cut to the same size, and of triple thickness. 
These it was necessary to sew, and he therefore came 
to me, with a request that I would sew the skins and 
the sail-cloth together for him. I thanked him for the 
honor he proposed, but when he tried to do it himself, 
I took compassion on him, and consented to perform the 
task, which, as you may suppose, was not at all agree- 
able. This done, he obtained a sufficient number of 
nails, which he drove through with the points out- 
wards, and thus completed spiked collars for the two 
dogs. But he was still unsatisfied; he required, he 
said, a belt for himself, to hold two pistols, but I re- 
minded him that the heat of the sun would dry the 
skin and cause it to shrink, making it altogether use- 
less. 

“Ernest, half in mockery, advised him to nail the 
belt and collars on a board, and expose them to the sun. 
Jack took the advice in good part, and without deign- 
ing to notice the mocking tone, nailed the articles to 
a board, as his brother suggested. 

“Then I told the boys of my proposed expedition, 
and they all joyfully agreed to accompany me. With- 
out delay we prepared for our journey. The boys col- 
lected and prepared their guns, and provided them- 
seives with ammunition, a cutlass, and an ax. I, car- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ried tlie provisions and water-flasks, as well as a light 
gnn, which I took from Ernest, giving him instead a 
fowling-piece, that could be loaded with ball. Thus 
armed, we started on our journey, accompanied by the 
two dogs, and hopeful of success. Turk, who had been 
with you, appeared to consider himself our guide, and 
marched on before us as if to lead the way, and in a 
very short time we reached the spot at which you 
crossed the brook, and succeeded, though not without 
trouble, in reaching the opposite bank. 

‘‘As we proceeded, I could not help reflecting that 
our safety rested in a great measure on two young 
boys, because they understood the use of firearms ; and 
I felt thankful, dear husband, that you had allowed 
your sons to.be accustomed to these weapons from 
childhood. 

“After filling our water-bottles with water from the 
river, we continued our march, and presently came 
upon a most beautiful and fertile spot. The prospect 
on every side was glorious, and I felt my heart open 
with hopeful delight. At a distance I could discern 
what appeared to be a little wood, to which the way 
seemed easy and straight before us ; but we presently 
found ourselves in the midst of tall grass, as high as 
the boys^ heads, through which it was impossible to 
pass. By turning to the left, near the river bank, we 
managed to avoid it, and were able to proceed without 
further obstacle. Here we recognized your footmarks, 
and followed them gladly, till we reached the little 
wood, and came again upon the high grass, which 
obliged us to turn to the right. 

“Suddenly a strange noise frightened us all, and in 
a moment a large bird rose from the grass at a little 
distance, and flew over our heads. The boys hastily 
raised their guns, but before they could fire the bird 
was far away. 

“ ‘Oh, what a pity!’ cried Ernest: ‘if I had only had 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


my light gun, or if the bird had not flown so quickly, 
I would soon have had him down. ’ 

‘Ah, yes,’ I said; ‘but a good marksman is always 
ready at a moment ’s warning. ’ 

“ ‘What bird was it, I wonder T said Jack. 

“ ‘An eagle, I think,’ replied little Frank; ‘it was 
so large.’ 

“‘As if all large birds were eagles!’ remarked 
Ernest; ‘but we may as well examine the place from 
which the bird rose, and discover what he was doing 
there. ’ 

“Jack ran quickly to the spot, when suddenly another 
and larger bird rose, with rustling wings, almost in 
his face, startling the boy with its unexpected appear- 
ance. He looked so completely struck dumb, that I 
could not help laughing. However, he quickly recov- 
ered himself, and we all went together to the place. 
Here we found a kind of large nest, made apparently 
of thick dry grass; it was empty, excepting a few 
broken egg-shells, from which, no doubt, the young 
birds had not long before escaped, and from the agi- 
tation of the grass I had every reason to believe that 
the brood were close at hand. But it would have been 
impossible to follow them, for the movements soon 
ceased altogether. 

“ ‘Look here, Frank,’ said Ernest, ‘these birds can- 
not be eagles, for they never build nests on the ground, 
but on high rocks ; besides, their little ones cannot run 
as soon as they are hatched, as chickens can. I no- 
ticed, too, that they had white breasts, and red-tipped 
wings, and feathers round the beak, so I think they 
must be bustards, for that is the description I have 
read of the bustard. ’ 

“ ‘I am glad we did not shoot the birds, after all,’ 
I said ; ‘ for what would the poor little ones have done 
without their parents ? ’ 

“While talMng, we reached the grove of trees to 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


whicli we had directed our steps. A crowd of unknown 
birds seemed to welcome us with their song, or flew 
round us gayly. The boys followed them with their 
eyes eagerly, and seemed inclined to point their guns, 
but I prevented them from doing so. 

^ You should never destroy God’s creatures,’ I said, 
‘excepting for food, and then not cruelly; besides, it 
would be foolish to waste powder and shot, as well as 
a pity to kill these pretty little songsters.’ 

‘ ‘ But what wonderful trees they were in this grove ! 
I have never in my life seen such tall trees, and, far 
from being a wood, as I supposed, there were scarcely 
more than a dozen trees, but so leafy at their sum- 
mits, that at a distance they appeared like a for- 
est. 

“What astonished me, also, was that the trunks 
seemed to be supported by a kind of buttress. Enor- 
mous roots appeared to have driven the thick stem out 
of the earth, and raised it to the skies. However, it 
was firmly fixed in the ground, and where the roots 
left it the thickness was immense. 

“Jack climbed up one of the outer roots, and meas- 
ured the stem with a piece of string. Its circumfer- 
ence was about eighteen feet; the height of the tree, 
from the ground to the summit, might be about sixty 
yards. The leaves were large and full, and the spread- 
ing branches formed a delightful shade. 

“The form of the leaf was like that of our nut-trees, 
but I could discover no fruit. The grass growing 
round the roots is thick and green, and there are no 
signs of thorns or underwood, so that altogether this 
grove of trees forms a delightful resting-place. So 
much did it please us, that we determined to stay there 
in the cool shade, and rest in this palace of the green- 
wood, while we enjoyed our midday meal. 

“The dogs, which we had left on the bank of the 
river, soon found us out, and, to my astonishment, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


did not appear hungry, but laid themselves down 
quietly at our feet, and were soon fast asleep. 

could not contemplate the richness and beauty of 
this lovely spot without the idea arising in my mind, 
that if we were able to establish ourselves on one of 
these trees, we should he in perfect safety. I had 
carefully examined the various scenes through which 
we passed, but I could discover none so agreeable as 
this. I resolved, therefore, to return to the tent, and 
if the time permitted, collect some more of the debris 
which the waves had cast on shore from the wreck. 

‘ ‘ On our way home, I discovered by what means the 
hunger of the dogs had been appeased: they were 
catching crabs in the shallow water near the shore, and 
separating the shells with their paws, while they ea- 
gerly devoured their contents. 

‘‘Presently, after turning from the river-bank, we 
saw Floss scratching out from the sand something 
round, and swallowing it with avidity. Ernest, who 
was nearer to the dog, guessed what it was in a mo- 
ment. 

“ ‘ It is the egg of a turtle, ^ he exclaimed ; ‘ and I dare 
say there are more. ^ 

“ ‘Let us save what we can,’ I cried, as we all ran to 
the spot; ‘it will make a splendid supper for us.’ 

“It cost some trouble, however, to drive away the 
animal from her prey, but we succeeded at last in rescu- 
ing a dozen eggs, which we placed carefully in our 
provision-bag. 

“At this moment I glanced towards the sea, and saw, 
to my astonishment, a little boat with a sail rapidly 
approaching the shore. I hardly knew what to think, 
although Ernest said it was his father and Fritz in the 
boat. 

“Frank was afraid it would contain savages, who 
might land and eat us up. At last I perceived that 
Ernest was right, and then we all turned to run round 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the rocks hastily, and soon found ourselves in each 
other’s arms. 

‘‘You have now had a complete description of our 
adventures yesterday,” continued my wife; “and all 
I can say is, that a dwelling in one of these trees would 
not only be delightful, but a place of safety from the 
attacks of wild beasts, and I hope that to-morrow morn- 
ing you will go with us to examine the wonderful trees. ’ ’ 

While listening to this recital, night came on, and 
it was time for us to seek repose in sleep, after the 
fatigues of the day. 

We arranged ourselves once more in our places as 
usual, but with much greater comfort, upon the mat- 
tresses, and under the soft woolen coverlets, I had 
brought from the wreck. 


86 


CHAPTER VIII 


BEIDGE-BUILDIKG 

N ext morning my wife and I rose early, that we 
might talk over the changes she appeared so anx- 
ious to make, before the children were up. 

In fact, I hesitated to decide, for to make a dwelling 
upon a high tree in a grove seemed impossible. 

‘Hf we were cocks and hens, now,’’ I said, ^‘and 
could fly up and roost on the branches, the case would 
be different.” 

‘‘Oh, do not make a jest of it,” she replied; “there 
is nothing absurd in my idea. At all events, now we 
are not safe at night from the visits of jackals, or other 
similar customers ; and I know that in our Fatherland 
I once saw a linden-tree, on which persons could ascend 
by a staircase to a pretty little bower, with a suitable 
floor between the branches. Why could not we have 
something of the same sort, and make a sleeping-place 
in the trees of the grove?” 

I did not answer my dear wife for some minutes, 
for her suggestions made me reflect ; at last I said, 

“I begin to think you are right, dear wife, for it 
seems to me that you have been conducted by Provi- 
dence to the most convenient spot on this island, as 
much for our safety as for the means of obtaining food. 
For if all that now remains on the wreck should be 
lost by the destruction of the vessel, we might at least 
have a convenient place to reside in, and fertile ground 
to cultivate. The rocks which surround it will serve 
as a protection. But let us have patience, and stay in 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


our present position, at least till we have brought from 
the wreck all the useful things we can/’ 

‘‘I do not think it is necessary to wait for that,” said 
my wife; ‘‘we have already more than we want for the 
present, and you do not know what we suffer here from 
the Heat of the sun, while you are on the sea. Set 
aside your voyage for to-day, and let us go together 
to this shady grove, where the rich fruits of the earth 
and the beauties of nature are ready to our hands. ’ ’ 
“Your earnestness makes you eloquent, dear wife,” 
I said, “and your reasoning convinces me; but you 
forget that we cannot take our cattle and our other pos- 
sessions to the opposite shore, without building a 
bridge.” 

“Then we must wait forever,” she replied, “if we 
wait for that. I thought it would be easy for the ass 
and the cow to carry what we most needed across the 
river, and bring the other things by degrees.” 

“We should have to do this even with a bridge,” I 
remarked; “and besides, the river might overflow its 
banks, and render a passage by any other means im- 
possible. I and the boys, however, will commence at 
once to construct a wooden bridge across the narrowest 
part, if you will prepare bags and packing-cases for 
our expedition.” 

“I must entreat you to leave the gunpowder behind 
in the rocks,” she remarked. “I always tremble when 
I think of the large quantity we have so near us. ’ ’ 
“Certainly,” I replied. “Gunpowder is like fire, a 
good friend when used with caution, but a fearful 
enemy to those who are careless. After we are settled 
in our new home, I will blow up a portion of the rock, 
and bury the powder in the earth so carefully, that not 
even a cat could scratch it up. And now all is ar- 
ranged, let us call the children.” 

The boys were quickly aroused, and on hearing the 
plan of bridge-building, were full of eager delight, and 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the idea of removing to the pleasant region of the grove 
made the younger ones jump and dance for joy, and 
name it at once their new home. 

After our morning prayer we began to think of 
breakfast, and while his mother prepared it, Fritz took 
the little monkey to the goat, for his morning feast. 
Jack slipped away to the cow, and tried to milk her 
into his hat, but as he could not succeed, he laid him- 
self under her, and she allowed him to draw from her 
a splendid draught of warm fresh milk, as if he had 
been a young calf. 

At last he paused to take breath, and exclaimed, 
Frank, come, the milk is beautiful; will you have 
someF’ 

These words attracted our attention to him, and his 
brothers laughed heartily at his scheme ; but his mother 
reproved him seriously for being greedy, and not wait- 
ing till the cow was milked. She then took a vessel 
and commenced milking the cow, and, as Jack saw how 
cleverly she succeeded, he said, 

‘^Ah, if I had only known how to do it like that! for 
I did feel ashamed of lying down like the monkey; 
but I mean to learn by and by, and then I can help 
mamma. ’ ’ 

When the cow was milked, the mother gave a cupful 
to each of the children, and poured a part of what 
remained into a saucepan, with some of the hard bis- 
cuits, to make milk soup for our breakfast. The rest 
she placed on one side, in a tin can, to preserve it for 
cream. 

Meanwhile I prepared our boat for a voyage to the 
ship, being anxious to obtain as many planks and beams 
as possible for building the bridge. After breakfast, 
I went on board with Fritz and Ernest, for as it was 
necessary to accomplish our task quickly, double help 
was needed. 

The boys exerted all their strength in rowing, that 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


we might reach the swift current, which had already 
carried us on former trips so rapidly out into the bay. 
Scarcely, however, had we arrived at the little island 
that lay at the entrance, when I noticed a flock of sea- 
gulls and other birds, flying here and there, over a spot 
hidden by a heap of sand, and uttering cries and noises 
so hideous, that we were almost deafened. 

Fritz would have fired amongst them, had I not pre- 
vented him: I was anxious to discover the cause of 
such a great assembly of birds. I therefore directed 
our boat towards the sea, that we might take the cur- 
rent, and hoisted the sail, to catch the sea-breeze at 
the same time, while Fritz rowed on quickly. 

Ernest was charmed with our little sail, and the pen- 
nant that waved from the top of the mast ; but Fritz, 
whose eyes were fixed on the island, suddenly ex- 
claimed, 

‘‘Papa, I believe that those birds are feasting upon 
a large fish, and have not had the politeness to invite 
us.’’ 

I approached nearer to the shore, and saw that he 
was right, and presently mooring our boat in shallow 
water by means of an enormous stone, I jumped on 
shore, followed by the boys. 

There we discovered, extended partly in the water 
and partly on the sand, the dead body of a monster fish, 
on which the birds were regaling themselves so eagerly, 
that they did not notice our approach until we were 
within gunshot of them, and even then only a few took 
to flight. 

I felt astonished at the voracious appetites of the 
feathered flock, as well as at their indifference, for so 
greedy were they, that if we had wished for a slice 
from the carcass ourselves, we could easily have de- 
stroyed the intruders even with a stick. 

“Oh!” exclaimed Fritz, “how could such an enor- 
mous body get here! who could have dragged it to the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


shore I yesterday there was no sign of such a creature 
to be seen!’’ 

‘‘Why, Fritz,” cried Ernest, “I am sure this must 
be the shark you settled so bravely yesterday; see, he 
has three great holes in his head.” 

“I believe it is, Ernest, for my gun was loaded with 
three bullets.” 

I readily confirmed their suspicions, as I pointed out 
the gigantic size of the frightful throat and jaws, from 
which we had mercifully escaped. 

“Why, the creature must be twenty feet long at 
least,” I added. “We must have a piece of the skin, 
which I think can be made useful; but first let us get 
rid of these greedy birds. ’ ’ 

Ernest immediately drew out the ramrod of his gun, 
and struck at them right and left, and some were so 
voracious that they remained on the prey, and were 
knocked down and killed, while feasting, by Ernest. 
The rest flew away, leaving a space from which Fritz 
could cut a few strips of shark’s skin, as Jack had done 
with the jackal. Then we returned to the boat with 
our booty. 

On reaching the shore, I saw with joy that a number 
of planks and beams had been loosened from the 
wreck, and cast on the sands by the waves, which would 
spare me the trouble I anticipated of seeking them on 
the vessel. I immediately determined to choose those 
most suitable for building our bridge, haul them in by 
means of a boat-hook, and attach them to our little 
skiff in the form of a float by ropes. 

We again put to sea with our floating cargo, and 
with the wind in our favor. 

While steering carefully homewards, however, I ad- 
vised Fritz to nail the strips of the shark’s skin to the 
mast in the sun to dry. He readily obeyed, while 
Ernest, after examining the birds he had killed with 
his ramrod, exclaimed, 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


^‘Papa, what can we do with these birds? are they 
good to eat?’’ 

‘‘Not very, my child: sea-gulls are birds that live 
chiefly on the flesh of dead fish, and they have in con- 
sequence a fishy taste when cooked. There are several 
species of these birds, and some of them are so vora- 
cious, that in the whale fisheries flocks of them will 
settle on pieces cut from the whale, with such avidity, 
that they will allow themselves to be killed rather than 
quit their prey.” 

“No wonder I killed them so easily just now with 
my ramrod,” replied Ernest, “if they are so greedy 
and stupid.” 

“Papa,” exclaimed Fritz, interrupting his brother, 
“why did you tell me to nail the shark’s skin on the 
mast? it will dry quite curved.” 

“Perhaps it may, Fritz,” I replied; “but unless it 
is rendered hard by drying we cannot make it useful, 
and being curved will not matter, for it will be as use- 
ful as if it were flat. When the rough points are 
ground otf, and the skin smoothed and polished, it 
forms a beautiful material called shagreen.” 

‘ ‘ I thought, ’ ’ said Ernest, ‘ ‘ that shagreen was made 
of ass’s skin.” 

“Yes, Ernest, you are right. In Turkey, Persia, and 
Tartary, the best shagreen is made from the skins of 
the wild ass. It is harder and thicker than that of 
the shark, but they soften and polish it by several 
processes, which gives it a beautiful surface, and the 
color is a bright green. ’ ’ 

We were now approaching the shore; I lowered the 
sail, and presently we lay alongside the old spot, hav- 
ing returned in less than four hours from the time we 
started. We were not expected, therefore none of our 
dear ones were there to welcome us, and this time I 
was not alarmed at their absence. However, we raised 
our voices loudly in chorus, and the sound was echoed 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


back from the rocks in every direction. Very soon 
the mother and her two boys came running towards ns 
in surprise at our speedy return. They each carried 
a large and well-filled pocket-handkerchief, and Frank 
dragged after him a fishing-net attached to a long 
wooden rod. 

When they reached us, many questions were asked 
in wonder at our returning so soon; but Jack, who 
could not restrain himself, interrupted these inquiries 
by opening his handkerchief, and allowing to fall on 
the ground before our eyes a number of magnificent 
fresh-water crabs. 

The mother and Frank followed his example, and 
there they lay in a sprawling heap. Finding them- 
selves free, however, they waddled away right and 
left, with all their might, and the boys had enough to 
do to prevent them from escaping; but the leaping, 
stooping, and laughing, created a merry outbreak of 
fun beyond description. 

‘‘Oh, papa!’’ exclaimed Jack, “are we not rich? 
There were such a frightful lot, more than a thousand, 
I think, and we have caught at least two hundred. Are 
they not large ? and what claws they have ! ’ ’ 

“But who discovered them?” I asked; “Jack, I sup- 
pose it was you?” 

“No, papa, it was our little Frank that performed 
this exploit. I will tell you how it happened. While 
mamma was sewing, I took the little monkey on my 
shoulder, and went with Frank to the river, to try if 
I could find a good place for our bridge. Frank 
amused himself by picking up pebbles and throwing 
them into the water, but every now and then he would 
run to show me some more prettily marked than oth- 
ers. All at once he came rushing back, exclaiming, 
‘Jack! Jack! come and see, there is such a swarm of 
crabs sticking to Fritz’s jackal!’ I followed him to 
the water, and there I saw the dead jackal lying in a 
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shallow spot, and a whole legion of magnificent crabs 
feasting upon it. I ran to tell mamma, and she brought 
a fishing-net, but we took as many in our hands as by 
the net, without any difficulty, and if you had not called 
us we could have taken many more.^^ 

“There are quite enough. Jack,’’ I replied, “not only 
to make a delicious supper, even if you throw the lit- 
tle ones back into the water, which I should advise 
you to do, but also to provide us with an unexpected 
store sufficient for several suppers. Let us thank God, 
that He has not only given us what is necessary, but 
enough and to spare.” 

After relating our own adventures, Ernest showed his 
mother the sea-gulls, and she proposed to prepare the 
mid-day meal, while I and the elder boys went to the 
shore to bring away the floating planks and beams. It 
proved a difficult task, for our united strength was far 
from sufficient to draw these heavy beams even out of 
the water. 

I had given up all idea of making the ass or the cow 
help us, when I suddenly remembered the plan adopted 
by the Laplanders with the reindeer who draw the 
sledges, and I was determined to try it. I placed a 
cord round the horns of the cow and the neck of the 
ass, and then passed it between their legs, and fastened 
the end to a beam firmly. In this way we not only 
brought piece after piece on shore, but were able also 
to drag them to the spot chosen by our little engineer 
as the most suitable for the bridge, and, indeed, so it 
appeared. 

The opposite banks approached each other closely, 
they were firm and of equal height, and the trunks of 
old trees which stood on each bank promised to form 
an excellent support on which to rest the foundation 
of the bridge. 

While examining the spot, a question suggested it- 
self. 

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I said, ‘‘suppose our beams should not be 
long enough to reach to the other side — the eye cannot 
measure the distance exactly, and we have no mathe- 
matical instruments — what shall we doV’ 

“Mamma has some packthread,’^ said Ernest; 
“could we not tie a stone to one end, and throw it 
across the river! We could easily measure the string 
when we drew it back, and that would give us the exact 
width across.” 

“An excellent idea, Ernest,” I replied; “run, Jack, 
and fetch the packthread.” 

Jack quickly returned, and by the contrivance sug- 
gested by Ernest, we soon discovered that the distance 
from one side of the river to the other was eighteen 
feet. 

It appeared, therefore, quite necessary that the 
beams should have three additional feet resting on each 
shore, and this would require the under one, at least, 
to measure twenty-four feet. Happily, we found more 
than one which exceeded this length, and fully an- 
swered our expectations. 

There remained now one only difficulty to overcome. 
The question arose, how could we throw such long 
and heavy pieces of wood across the water! 

While considering the subject the dinner-hour ar- 
rived, and finding notliing more could be done, we re- 
turned to the tent. 

Our good housekeeper had prepared for us a dish 
of crabs, which was very tempting. But before we 
commenced dinner, she wished to show me the needle- 
work which had employed her the whole morning. 

She produced two immense bags, which she had 
made out of a piece of sail-cloth, and sewn with pack- 
thread. 

“I had no needle large enough to hold the thread,” 
said the mother, “so I contrived to sew with a nail, 
and by patience and perseverance I have finished these 
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traveling-bags. They will bang across the donkey ^s 
back like panniers, and contain a great quantity of arti- 
cles, when we change our home.^’ 

I expressed my pleasure, and praised my dear wife 
for her ingenuity, and then we all seated ourselves to 
partake of the dinner she had prepared for us. 

It was passed over as quickly as usual, for we had 
no time to lose, and then I and the boys returned to 
work. As we approached the spot, a plan suggested 
itself which got us out of all our difficulties. 

I first placed a beam behind the trunk of a tree, to 
which I fastened it at about four or five feet above 
the ground with a strong cord ; to the other end of the 
cord I tied a stone, and throwing it across the river, I 
waded through the water after it. To a tree on the 
opposite bank I adjusted a pulley, over which I threw 
the cord, and returned with the end in my hand. 

To this extreme end I tied the ropes which were still 
round the necks of the cow and the ass, then passing 
the beam round to the front of the tree, I led the ani- 
mals away from the water. As they moved slowly 
forward the beam rose gently, and then sank grad- 
ually, guided by the pulley, till the end rested on the 
opposite bank. 

No sooner was this accomplished, than Fritz and 
Jack sprang boldly on the beam, and danced lightly 
and rapidly across the new bridge. I trembled as I 
saw them, but I refrained from uttering a word of cau- . 
tion, lest they should fall from sudden fear. 

Now the first beam was laid, the difficulties of the 
work were greatly removed. The second, and third 
and fourth soon followed, and the foundation of ou. 
bridge lay ready before our eyes. 

We then cut a number of planks, of about eight or 
nine feet long, to place across the breadth of the bridge, 
but I did not nail them down firmly, as I wished to be 
able to remove them from the bridge quickly in case 
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of danger, to prevent the passage of enemies, whether 
men or wild beasts. 

It now seemed in every point perfect: the supports 
were firm, and the passage across complete. 

But the great exertion necessary had exhausted our 
strength, and as evening approached, we were glad 
to return to the tent and seek the refreshment and re- 
pose which we so greatly needed. Once more we knelt 
to offer our evening prayer, and to thank God for His 
merciful care of us during the day. 


CHAPTER IX 

THE JOUKNEY TO THE WONDEEFUL TREES 

O N waking the next morning my first thought was 
to warn my children of the danger they would 
incur if they crossed the bridge carelessly, as they had 
done on the preceding night. 

‘‘And you must remember,’’ I said, “that we are 
now going into a region unknown and less protected by 
nature than this. We know not what kind of animals 
we may encounter, nor whether it is inhabited. It is 
therefore necessary to be on our guard, and keep close 
together in case of danger or attack.” 

After this caution we knelt and offered our morning 
prayer, and then proceeded to breakfast, which was no 
sooner finished than I and the boys commenced prep- 
arations for our journey. 

Our first act was to load the ass and the cow with the 
traveling-bags containing our provisions, our tools, 
cooking utensils, and other useful things, the case of 
bottled beer from the captain’s cabin, and a store of 
butter from the cask not being omitted. At last I was 
about to add some hammocks and bed-coverings to the 
donkey’s load, when I was suddenly checked by my 
wife, who said, 

“We must not leave the chickens and pigeons alone 
here all night, or there will be an end of them. Be 
sides, I hoped that you would find room for little FranV 
on the donkey’s back, and also for my bag. We know 
not how soon we may need it. ’ ’ 

It was rather annoying to have to unpack, but for- 
tunately I had left a space between the two sacks which 
the ass carried, and the bed-coverings would make a 
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soft seat for little Frank. So I placed him on the 
donkey with the bag, which already bore the name of 
the Magic Bag, placed behind for him to lean against, 
and he sat as safely as if on a saddle, and without fear 
of danger, even should his steed take it into his head 
to gallop. 

In the meantime the hoys had been endeavoring to 
collect the fowls and the pigeons by driving them into 
one spot. But all in vain. To catch them was impos- 
sible; and they presented themselves empty-handed 
and looking very much discomfited. 

‘ ‘ Leave them to me ! ’ ^ exclaimed the mother ; “ I will 
show you what to do. ’ ’ 

At these words she called the chickens to her in coax- 
ing tones, throwing from her apron a few grains of 
peas and crumbs of biscuits. They all came round her 
quickly ; and, still scattering peas and barley from the 
magic bag, she attracted them nearer the tent. The 
rest of the corn she threw into the entrance; and as 
the feathered tribe rushed in and pounced upon it 
with eagerness, it was easy work to close the tent and 
make them prisoners. 

Then Jack carefully crept in, and, catching them one 
by one, passed them through an opening in the tent to 
us. Fritz and I tied their legs together and placed 
them in panniers on the back of the cow. 

To protect them from the sun we arranged some sail- 
cloth over the two halves of a cask-hoop, which formed 
an arch, and the darkness also kept them quiet. 

The packing being finished, we collected all the arti- 
cles necessary to leave behind, at least those that could 
be injured by the heat of the sun or spoiled by rain, 
and placed them within the tent, closing, the entrance 
carefully. 

To make it more secure we barricaded it with the full 
and empty casks that remained, and left our store to 
the kind protection of Heaven. 

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I tlien arranged our little party for the journey. We 
were all well armed, young and old, and full of spirits. 

Fritz marched at the head of our procession with 
his mother, followed by the cow and the ass and his 
cavalier, little Frank. The goats, led by J ack, formed 
the third detachment, the little monkey looking droll 
on the back of his foster-mother. Ernest followed 
with the sheep, and I walked last as the rear-guard. 
The dogs rushed here and there as our adjutants. 

As the procession moved on slowly Ernest remarked, 

‘‘Papa, I think this is a delightful way of traveling, 
and it is new to us. Are there not people who always 
travel from place to place in this manner?’’ 

“Yes,” I replied; “even now the people of Tartary, 
Arabia, and other tribes follow this sort of life, and are 
called nomadic races. They use horses and camels, 
however, which enable them to advance more quickly 
than we can do with our crawling ass and our loaded 
cow. The patriarchs of whom we read in the Bible 
traveled or wandered from place to place after this 
fashion. For my part, I shall be glad when our wan- 
derings are over.” 

“I hope,” said my wife, “that our new abode may 
prove too delightful for us to have any wish to leave it. 
At all events, the fault shall not be mine if we are 
obliged to take another journey.” 

Thus conversing, we arrived at the bridge, and at 
this point the sow joined our procession. We had 
found it impossible to make her follow the other ani- 
mals from the tent; but when she discovered that we 
had really left her behind, she hastened to overtake us, 
and we all happily crossed the bridge together without 
accident, the sow grunting her disapproval of the whole 
affair. 

On the opposite shore a new difficulty presented it- 
self. The grass looked so fresh and tempting, that 
our troop could not resist the temptation, but scattered 
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themselves right and left to feast upon it. We should 
have been quite unable to place them again in rank and 
file hut for the help of our dogs, who, barking and chas- 
ing, brought them again into order. 

To avoid a second interruption I told Fritz to turn 
to the left, towards the shore, through a part of the 
country overgrown with tall rank grass not in the least 
tempting to the animals. 

We had scarcely proceeded any distance when the 
dogs suddenly started forward and disappeared in the 
thick grass; and presently their furious barking be- 
came mixed with howls of pain, as if they were wounded 
and struggling with some wild beast. 

Fritz hastily advanced to the spot with his gun raised 
and his finger on the trigger; Jack followed him fear- 
lessly, carrying his pocket-pistol in his hand; while 
Ernest, who was nervous and timid, ran behind his 
mother, yet making ready to fire in case of danger. For 
my own part, I felt the necessity of being cautious, 
and followed the boys anxiously with my gun in readi- 
ness, for it appeared probable that the dogs had at- 
tacked a strong and furious beast, which might over- 
power them. The boys, in their eagerness after any 
novelty, reached the spot before me, and the next mo- 
ment Jack cried out, 

^ ‘ Papa, come, quick ! It is a large porcupine ! Such 
an enormous beast ! Make haste ! ^ ’ 

I saw as I hastily approached that he was right, al- 
though his description was a little exaggerated respect- 
ing the size of the animal, which the dogs still con- 
tinued to attack, yet retiring from their attempts in 
useless rage at being wounded by the sharp points 
which protruded from its skin. They could not ap- 
proach it without receiving a number of small wounds, 
which bled terribly. Their howls, in consequence, were 
most horrible to hear. 

Jack, without thought of consequences, at once drew 

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liis pocket pistol from his belt, raised the trigger, and, 
going as near the animal as he dared, took aim at the 
head so correctly, that the creature fell dead at our feet 
before we knew what the boy was about. 

A shout of joy from the boys at this removal of their 
alarming enemy followed Jack’s exploit, although 
Fritz looked a little mortified at his younger brother ’s 
success, and asked him why he was in such a hurry 
rather indignantly; but Jack was not easily offended, 
so he turned off the inquiry with a joke; in fact, he 
was so anxious to secure his booty, that, after giving 
it two strokes with the butt end of his gun to make 
sure it was dead, he attempted to draw it from the spot 
with his usual carelessness. 

The next moment he threw the dead animal from him 
in haste, and stood with bleeding hands, looking ter- 
ribly embarrassed. But Jack was not one to be easily 
conquered ; and in his anxiety to show his prize to his 
mother he wiped his hands, and then, tying his pocket- 
handkerchief round the neck of the dead porcupine he 
dragged it by the ends to his mother. 

^‘Look, mamma!” he cried; isn’t this a beautiful 
prize? I killed it myself with my pocket pistol; and 
it will be useful, for papa says the flesh is good to eat.” 

Ernest approached coolly to examine the animal, 
and said at last, 

^^The creature has incisor teeth, and ears and feet 
something like those of human beings.” 

‘'Ah, yes,” said Jack; “but did you not see how he 
rustled and bristled his quills against the dogs? He 
is a frightful creature. ’ ’ 

“Papa, did you notice the tuft of hair on his head?” 
asked Jack. “What is the use of it?” 

“Only to give it the name of the tufted porcupine,” 
I replied. “But tell me. Jack, were you not afraid 
that the creature would shoot his quills into you?” 

“I never thought about it,” he replied; “or if I had 

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I should have known that the superstition about porcu- 
pines shooting their quills is fabulous.’’ 

His mother and I were seated on the ground while 
we talked, drawing out the pointed quills from the 
muzzles of our brave dogs. 

‘ ‘ Look here, ’ ’ I replied, holding up five or six quills 
which we had extracted, ‘ ‘ these were stuck in the dogs, 
Jack.” 

‘H can quite believe that,” he replied; ‘‘but they at- 
tacked him closely, and of course the quills stuck to 
them and were dragged out of his skin while they strug- 
gled.” 

“You are right, my brave little man, ’ ’ I said. ‘ ‘ The 
porcupine has no power of shooting his quills like ar- 
rows. But now tell me what we are to do with your 
game. Shall we take it with us, or leave it behind?” 

“Oh, we must take it with us, papa!” cried Jack. 
“Besides, it is good to eat, so please let us take it.” 

I could not resist these entreaties. I therefore un- 
wound the handkerchief from the animal’s head, 
wrapped it in grass, stroked back the quills, tied it up 
in some of our bed-clothes folded three times double, 
and fastening the bundle across the back of the ass 
behind Frank and the mother ’s wonderful bag, thought 
all was safe. 

After this we collected the animals and proceeded 
again on our journey. 

We had scarcely, however, advanced a hundred steps 
before the ass began to bray, and presently to leap and 
bound in the most comical manner, as if he were mad, 
causing us all to shout with laughter, till he ended at 
last by dragging away the bridle by which my wife 
led him, and starting off at full gallop. 

The danger to Frank now stopped our amusement. 
Making a sign to the dogs, they started after the ass 
at once, and brought him to a standstill before we could 
reach him. 


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‘‘Oh, what a splendid gallop!” exclaimed Frank as 
we arrived at the spot. 

“Yes, my child,” I replied; “hut we ought to thank 
God that you did not fall off and break your limbs. 
What could have induced this quiet, patient animal to 
run away I cannot imagine. ^ ^ 

But, on examination of the animal’s burdens, I soon 
discovered the cause. The pointed quills of the porcu- 
pine had pierced the triple covering, and penetrated 
to the skin of the poor animal in a most unpleasant 
manner. No wonder he leaped and bounced under such 
sharp, tickling sensations. The evil was soon removed. 
I placed the porcupine upon the magic bag, and under 
it I laid a thick bed-cover double; and, telling little 
Frank not to lean back, we resumed our journey. 

Fritz marched in advance of us, with his gun, always 
ready, in the hope that, as a recompense for losing the 
honor of killing the porcupine, he should meet with 
some bustards, with which his mother could prepare 
such a splendid dish. 

We followed quietly, and arrived at last without 
further incident in safety at the Promised Land, as 
the boys called it. 

“Oh, what magnificent trees!” exclaimed Ernest. 
“And look at their height!” 

“Indeed, they are magnificent!” I cried. “I have 
never even imagined the existence of such trees! I 
own, dear wife, that this is a wonderful place. If we 
can climb these trees, and establish ourselves upon 
them, we may feel perfectly secure against any ani- 
mals, for I defy even a bear to climb trees so high, 
especially with trunks possessing such a smooth bark 
as these. ’ ’ 

We immediately commenced releasing the animals 
of their load, and setting them free, to feed with the 
sheep and goats. Their fore legs were tied loosely to- 
gether with cords, that they might not wander far 
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from the spot. The sow we left to do as she pleased. 

As to the fowls and pigeons, they were at once set 
at liberty, to their great relief. We then seated our- 
selves to rest on the soft green turf, and to consult on 
our future dwelling-place. And, first of all, it was nec- 
essary to prepare a lodging, not only as a protection 
from the cold night air, but also as a security from 
the attacks of wild beasts, to which we should be ex- 
posed if we remained on the ground. I knew, there- 
fore, that by some means this lodging must be made on 
the branches or roots of the trees. 

While discussing the subject with my wife, Fritz had 
wandered out of sight, and suddenly we heard the re- 
port of a gun just behind us, then a second report, and 
the words ‘‘He is hit! he is hit!’’ explained what our 
young sportsman was about. 

In a few moments he reappeared, carrying by its 
hind legs an enormous tiger-cat, which he held up be- 
fore us all proudly. 

“Bravo, Master Sportsman!” I cried; “you have 
rendered good service to our fowls and pigeons : 
your friend there would have made sad havoc in our 
farmyard this night, if you had not demolislied him. 
These animals, however, are seldom alone, so you must 
keep a careful watch for any of his companions who 
may be prowling about. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ I wonder why God created such dreadful animals 1 ’ ’ 
said Ernest. 

“It is always difficult for us weak mortals to under- 
stand why God has created this or that; but He is so 
wise and good that we know there must be excellent 
reasons for all He does although we are unable to ex- 
plain or understand these reasons to our own satisfac- 
tion. You are acquainted with one thing useful even 
in the tiger-cat, Ernest, and that is the skin; and you 
know also how many beautiful and warm furs are ob- 
tained for winter clothing from the bear, the wild cat, 
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the ermine, the Siberian squirrel, and many other ani- 
mals which inhabit cold regions in the North.’’ 

‘‘And is not the seal-skin very useful ?” asked 
Ernest. 

“Yes,” I replied; “and although this creature is by 
nature as voracious among fish as the wild dog orig- 
inally was on land; still, he has been tamed by man 
to become, like the house dog, a faithful and attached 
friend. But, Fritz, now tell me how you managed to 
kill this beast of prey, and where you found him.” 

“I saw a movement first among the foliage of a tree. 
I went quietly and stood at the foot, and there, on a 
branch, I saw this monster. The first shot brought 
him to my feet, but he was not dead, and as he tried to 
rise I fired a second time, and he moved no more. ’ ’ 

“You may think yourself fortunate,” I said, “that 
the creature did not fly at you after the first shot: 
these animals will defend their own lives fiercely. I 
think the one you have just killed is the margay, a 
species of tiger-cat very common at the Cape of Good 
Hope and in South America, and so voracious^ that 
even our sheep and goats would not be safe against 
such a formidable enemy.” 

“Well, papa,” said Fritz, “now I have killed the 
animal, can we not make use of his 'beautiful skin? 
Look at the glossy black and brown spots on a golden 
yellow ground!” 

“Indeed you can,” I replied, “if you strip off the 
skin carefully, excepting from the legs: of these you 
can make cases for knives, forks, and spoons, and of 
the tail a hunting-belt to carry your pistols.” 

“But, dear papa,” said Jack, “what is the use of the 
porcupine’s skin?” 

“Why, my boy, it can be made very useful with a 
little trouble,” I replied. “The quills form excel- 
lent packing-needles and arrow-heads. We can also 
construct another collar for each of our dogs to wear 
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when they go to battle with wild beasts; indeed, we 
might easily provide them with a kind of armor like 
coats of mail ; the sharp points of the quills would keep 
their enemies at a distance. 

‘^That would be fun,’’ cried Jack, ‘Ho see our brave 
dogs dressed up in such a fashion.” 

After this the young people gave me no rest till I 
had showed them how to remove the skin from the wild 
cat and the porcupine without injuring it. I advised 
them to tie each animal to the branch of a tree, by the 
hind legs ; and by carefully separating them from the 
flesh with a knife, the skins of the porcupine and the 
tiger-cat were removed and nailed to a tree to dry. 

Meanwhile Ernest and little Frank were busily em- 
ployed, one in gathering stones to make a cooking-place 
for his mother, and the other in collecting dry 
branches of trees for a fire. Ernest quickly accom- 
plished his task, and while I showed him how to arrange 
the stones for a hearth, he questioned me about the 
trees. 

“Do you think these are nut-trees, papa!” he asked; 
‘ ‘ the leaves are very much like those of our walnut. ’ ’ 

“Plants which have similar leaves do not always 
belong to the same family,” I replied; “and in other 
respects the trees on this spot appear to differ from 
ours : the leaves are of a paler green, and almost white 
on the under side. I believe them to be mangroves 
or wild figs, for the roots form a kind of arch or curve, 
and the trunks rise to a height almost beyond the power 
of the eye to reach. ’ ’ 

“I thought that mangroves grew only near the bor- 
ders of rivers, or on marshy ground,” said Ernest. 

“You are partly right, my child,” I said; “but this 
applies only to the dark mangroves, not to the red, 
which bears little berries, and never reaches to such 
a great height.” 

Presently little Frank appeared with his arms full 

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of dry wood, and something in Ms mouth, which he was 
eating with a great relish. 

‘‘IVe found something so nice!^’ he cried, with his 
mouth full, ‘‘oh, so nice!” 

“My child, what are you eating?” cried his mother, 
anxiously; “it may be poisonous, and make you die. 
Give me what you have in your mouth, for Heaven ^s 
sake, and do not swallow the smallest piece!” 

Frank in a fright allowed his mother to take from 
his mouth what appeared to be the remains of a small 
fig. 

‘ ‘ Where did you get this ? ’ ’ she asked. 

“Yonder, in the grass,” replied Prank, “there are 
thousands of them ; the fowls and the pigeons are eat- 
ing such a lot, and the one I tasted was so nice, that I 
thought it wouldn ’t do me any harm. ’ ’ 

“Do not be alarmed, my dear; I trust there is no 
danger,” I said to my wife, as she looked at me in- 
quiringly: “these trees are a species of mangrove, and 
bear a kind of fig which I believe is wholesome; but, 
Frank,” I continued, addressing the child, “remember 
you must never eat the fruit you find, or even taste it, 
till you have shown it to me. As a rule, however, we 
may consider any kind of vegetable or fruit eaten by 
birds or monkeys, as wholesome food.” 

“But, papa,” said Ernest, “cocoanuts are good, yet 
the birds do not eat them.” 

“Their shells are too hard and too large for birds to 
manage,” I replied; “besides, Ernest, there is no rule 
without an exception.” 

Frank, however, had no sooner heard my statement 
about the monkeys, than he ran otf in triumph to a tree 
near those on which the skins of the porcupine and 
the tiger-cat were nailed. Upon a root of this tree 
the little monkey was seated, and Frank, who had two 
figs in his pocket, presented one to Master Nip. 

He seized it hastily, and began eating it with the 

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most comical expressions of delight and the greatest 
eagerness. 

In their satisfaction at this discovery respecting the 
figs, the boys, with Frank as their leader, shouted, 
‘ ‘ Bravo ! bravo ! ’ ^ with all their might. 

Meanwhile our clever housekeeper had lighted the 
fire, and prepared for us a dinner of soup from pieces 
of the porcupine, which I had divided into halves ; one 
to be eaten fresh, the other salted. The flesh of the 
tiger-cat we gave to the dogs. Until dinner was ready 
I employed myself in forming needles of the porcu- 
pine’s quills. To produce the eyes I made a nail red 
hot, and pierced it through the thickest end of each 
quill ; in a very little time I had manufactured a packet 
of needles, which gave my wife a very pleasant sur- 
prise. 

I remembered, also, that we had no harness of any 
sort for our beasts of burden, and I resolved by some 
means to supply that deficiency. But, like many other 
important wants, I knew it must be deferred to the 
next day. 

After finishing the needles, I and the boys made 
choice of a tree which I considered would be the most 
suitable for our future dwelling. I then tied stones 
to the ends of pieces of rope, and tried to throw them 
over the lower branches. The boys also exerted them- 
selves, but we were too tired to succeed. It seemed 
impossible, therefore, to establish our dwelling in the 
tree on that day, and after marking the spot with a 
heap of stones, gave up the idea. Very soon my wife 
called us to dinner. We truly enjoyed the excellent 
soup, and the flesh of the porcupine she had boiled for 
us, with biscuits as a substitute for bread. 


109 


CHAPTER X 
A night’s lodging 

‘ ‘ T FEAR we shall be obliged to sleep on tbe ground 

1 after all,” I said to my wife after dinner, ‘‘for 
with all our etforts we cannot reach even to tbe lower 
branches of these trees. However, as we shall want 
to harness the animals, that they may bring wood and 
beams from the beach, will you make some straps and 
breastbands of skin and sail-cloth, that they may be 
ready for us to-morrow?” 

My good wife set herself to work immediately, with 
the needles I had fashioned from the porcupine’s 
quills, to make what I required. Meanwhile I fastened 
the hammocks to the arched roots of the tree I had 
chosen, and stretched over them a large piece of sail- 
cloth, to protect us from the night dews. And then, 
satisfied that we should at least have a shelter for the 
night, I hastened with Fritz and Ernest to the beach, 
hoping to discover some suitable materials with which 
to construct a rope ladder. 

The shore was strewn with beams and planks from 
the wreck ; but these were too large and heavy for my 
purpose, and would require so much preparation that 
I began to fear disappointment, when Ernest suddenly 
discovered a number of bamboo canes, half buried in 
mud and sand. 

With the help of the boys I joyfully disinterred the 
useful reeds, and after scraping and cleaning them, 
found to my great satisfaction that they would fully 
answer my purpose. 


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I then cut them into lengths of about four or five 
feet each, and tied them into three bundles of equal 
thickness, for myself and the boys to carry. I chose 
also a few thinner canes, of which I intended to make 
arrows for another purpose. 

At a little distance from this spot we came to marshy 
ground, on which grew a thick bush of green reeds, and 
as they appeared hkely to become useful, I determined 
to obtain a supply. According to our custom, we were 
all well armed, and the dog Floss, who accompanied us, 
appeared to consider herself our leader, and marched 
in front. 

As we approached the marsh, she suddenly started 
forward as if she were mad, barking furiously amid 
the reeds. The next moment a flock of superb flamin- 
goes, which Floss had put to flight, rose in the air with 
rushing wings above our heads. 

Fritz, always alert and on his guard, instantly raised 
his gun and fired, bringing down two of the hindmost. 
One of them fell dead at a little distance, hut the other, 
which was only slightly wounded in the wing, rose 
quickly, and used his long legs as if he were on stilts 
with the greatest swiftness. 

Fritz started forward incautiously to secure the dead 
bird, and at once sank up to his knees in the marshy 
ground. Warned by his example, I followed the 
wounded bird by a circuitous route, softly but as 
quickly as possible: yet I should have failed to over- 
take him had not Floss rushed forward, and seizing 
the bird by the wing, held it firmly till I came up to 
them. 

The flamingo fought bravely for his life, beating me 
with his wings with great force ; and it was only after 
a struggle that I succeeded in mastering him. 

I took him gently under my arm, and returned to the 
place where I had left the boys. 

^‘Oh, papa!’’ exclaimed Ernest, ‘‘have you caught 

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Mm I Is he alive? Oh! I hope we shall be able to 
make him tame!^’ 

Fritz was examming the dead flamingo, and pres- 
ently he said, 

‘‘Papa, the flamingo is web-footed, like the goose, 
and yet he has long legs, and can run like the stork : is 
not this unusual?’’ 

“No, my boy; there are many birds which possess 
the swimming feet, and yet have long legs.” 

“Have all flamingoes beautifully-colored plumage 
like this?” he asked again. “I fancied as the birds 
flew that some of them had not purple and rose-colored 
wings. ’ ’ 

“Probably not,” I replied, “for I believe the young 
flamingoes while growing are of a grayish white. It 
is only when full grown that their feathers assume such 
brilliant colors.” 

WMle gathering the reeds, I remembered that the 
savage nations used them particularly for pointed 
arrows; yet the larger ones might prove useful in an- 
other way. I therefore cut a few of the longest I could 
find, saying, 

“We shall be able to measure the height of the tree 
with these, my boys. ’ ’ 

They laughed incredulously at this assertion, and 
Ernest said, 

“Why, papa, if you were to tie ten or a dozen of 
those paltry reeds one upon the other, they would not 
reach the lowest branch.” 

“Have patience,” I said, with a smile; “you will 
learn what I mean to do in time. ’ ’ 

Presently we arrived at our resting-place, laden with 
the canes and our booty, and were received by Jack 
and Prank with outcries of delight, especially when 
they espied the living flamingo. The mother only did 
not share in their joy. 

“I fear,” she said, “that with so many living ani- 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


mals, we shall find our supply of food for them quickly 
disappear. ’ ’ 

I did not reply, for I was anxious to examine the 
wounds of the poor flamingo. Unfortunately, I found 
the outer pinion of both wings injured, one by the shot 
from the gun, the other crushed by the dog’s teeth, 
where she had caught it. 

I managed, however, to anoint the wounds with but- 
ter, and after binding them carefully with pieces of old 
linen, I fixed a stake firmly in the ground near the 
river, and tied the bird’s leg to it by a rope long 
enough for him to walk about on the beach and to 
reach the water ; then I left him to his fate. 

By this time the boys were trying to measure the 
height of the tree, by tying two of the longest pieces 
of cane together; but they hardly reached the highest 
point of the arched roots. I could see how impatient 
they were for me to commencfe my measurement, even 
while with youthful jokes they laughed at the idea of 
my success. 

They watched me with amusement and surprise, as 
I placed tall reeds in the ground at equal distances 
from each other, tied strings here and there, till I 
formed angles, right-angles, and at last right-angled 
triangles. 

Fritz looked on with deep interest. I knew he had 
learnt Euclid at school, and had a sufficient knowledge 
of trigonometry * to comprehend what I was about. 
Therefore, when my arrangements were completed, I 
said, 

^‘Well, Fritz, can you tell me now the height of this 
tree!” 

He looked thoughtful for a few moments, and then 
said, 

believe the height of this tree to the first branch 

* The art of measuring by angles or triangles. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

is thrfee times the length of the middle string which is 
fastened to the trunk. ’ ’ 

‘‘Quite right,’’ I replied. “Now, Ernest, measure 
the middle string with my foot rule, and tell me the 
height to the branch. ’ ’ 

“Nearly forty feet, papa: three times thirteen are 
thirty-nine.” 

‘ ‘ W ell, ’ ’ exclaimed J ack, ‘ ‘ that is wonderful ! What 
a good tiling you know it all, papa.” 

“I learnt it in my young days, Ernest. Ah! my 
boys, youth is the time to learn ; it is too late after the 
cares of the world fall on our shoulders.” 

“But, papa,” said Ernest, “this does not help us to 
climb the tree.” 

“Perhaps not yet, but it decides that we shall want 
eighty yards of rope for the two sides of our ladder. 
Measure the pieces which form the triangle again, 
boys, and then Jack and Frank can wind it up into a 
ball and take it to the mother, while I prepare some- 
thing else.” 

Fritz and Ernest hastened to obey, while I seated 
myself on the grass, and hastily formed a bow with 
one of the bamboo canes and a strong cord, and half a 
dozen arrows from the pointed reeds. As they ap- 
peared too light, I filled the hollow canes with wet sand, 
and attached feathers of the flamingo to the lower end, 
so that the arrow might fly straight in the air. When 
this was ready, I felt with satisfaction that my purpose 
was accomplished. 

The appearance of the bow and arrow brought all 
the young people round me, exclaiming in joyful ac- 
cents. 

“Oh! a bow! a bow and arrows! What are you 
going to do, papa 1 Oh ! let me shoot ! And me ! And 
me ! ” 

“Patience, my children,” I cried; “this time I must 
take the precedence; besides, it is work, and not in- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

tended for amusement, but use. Ask your mother if 
she has a ball of strong coarse string to give us. ’ ’ 

In a few moments my wife appeared with her magic 
bag. 

will examine what it contains,^’ she said, with a 
smile, as she put her hand in, and, drawing out the re- 
quired ball of string, she offered it to me, saying, 

“ There, my husband, is just what you want, a whole 
skein of strong and coarse string from my enchanted 
bag ! ’ ’ 

“Ah, mamma, laughed Ernest, “that certainly is 
wonderful magic, to bring forth from a bag what you 
have put there yourself!’’ 

i i There is really no mystery in it, ’ ’ said his mother. 
“If we are thoughtful at the right time to place any- 
thing useful where it can be easily and quickly found, 
that is at least the best magic.” 

At this moment Fritz appeared, and informed me 
that the cord I had used measured more than a hun- 
dred and forty feet, which was longer than we needed 
for the ladder. I, however, took an arrow and fas- 
tened it to one end of the skein of thread, which the 
boys unwound, and, placing it on the bow, after one or 
two trials I drew it towards the tree in such a direc- 
tion, that the arrow passed over one of the branches 
and fell on the other side, carrying the string with it, 
and leaving it suspended in the air. 

Carefully holding the end of the string, I fastened a 
rope to it and passed it over the branch. The two ends 
I nailed to the trunk, to keep it from slipping off while 
we constructed our rope ladder. 

First I cut otf a length of about a hundred feet from 
the rope, and divided it into portions of fifty feet each. 
These I laid side by side on the ground at about six 
inches apart, the boys eagerly assisting me. Fritz cut 
the bamboo canes into equal lengths of two feet each. 
Ernest brought them to me. I placed them between the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


two ropes, fastened them tightly at each end, and then 
desired Jack to drive a nail through the fastening, to 
keep them from slipping ; and thus we completed a rope 
ladder with forty strands in a very short time, to the 
great delight and astonishment of the mother, who was 
looking on. 

I then attached firmly this wonderful construction 
to one end of the cord which hung over the branch, and 
by the means of the other end drew it up till the top 
of the ladder reached the bough and hung suspended 
from the tree, while the children in delight uttered 
shouts of joy. 

Each of them wished to mount first, but I chose J ack, 
as being the lightest of the three elder ones, and the 
most agile ; and I knew he would not try the strength 
of my ladder so much as those who were larger and 
heavier. 

The youngster scrambled up as swiftly and saucily 
as a cat, and reached the top in safety. 

I now believed that Fritz might venture ; and when 
he also reached the top and made the ladder fast to 
the tree, I resolved to follow him myself and arrange 
what was still necessary. I took with me a pulley, and, 
by means of a strong cord, I fastened it to the highest 
branch I could reach. This I knew would enable me 
next day to draw up the beams and planks which I 
might require. This work was finished by moonlight, 
and with it the hardest day’s work we had performed 
since our shipwreck came to an end. I descended the 
ladder, satisfied with my success and full of confidence 
in the future. 

Presently I missed Fritz and Jack, and for a mo- 
ment began to feel anxious, till I remembered that, 
while I had been finishing my preparations at the top 
of the ladder, they had climbed higher up the tree. 
At the same moment there fell upon my ear from the 
topmost branches the harmonious tones of two young 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


voices singing the Evening Hymn. I listened with a 
lightened heart ; and when it ceased I called to them to 
come down to help me to collect the animals, and to 
gather wood for a fire to burn all night and protect us 
from wild beasts. 

They descended quickly; and after I had fastened 
the lower end of the ladder to one of the roots, we at- 
tended to the wants of the animals and the poultry, 
who were assembled round us, asking for food. After 
they had eaten a good supper, I was pleased to see the 
poultry and pigeons perch themselves to roost on the 
rungs of our ladder, and the four-footed beasts creep 
under the arched roots of the tree, near our hammocks, 
and lay themselves down, perfectly free from care. 
The flamingo was not forgotten. We gave him some 
milk-sop, placed him in a corner near the trunk of the 
tree, and tied him to a root, where he soon put his head 
under his right wing, stood upon one leg, with the other 
tucked up, and in that position slept in comfort. 

By this time we gladly welcomed the hour for food 
and rest; and while my wife prepared our supper we 
gathered a quantity of wood and arranged it in a circle 
round the tree, for I had determined to have fires 
lighted as a protection, and to keep awake myself dur- 
ing the night to replenish them. 

By the time all this was finished my wife announced 
that supper was ready, and we ran hastily to partake 
of it, for indeed we were almost starving. 

The boys brought in a supply of figs, which they had 
picked up during the day, and these formed an excel- 
lent dessert. 

We had, however, scarcely finished supper before 
one after another began to yawn; and at last, after a 
short prayer, I sent my wife and the children to their 
hammocks, which hung from the arched roots. 

Then I lighted the wood which lay around us, and 
prepared to watch the fire all night. Presently from 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the hammocks came sounds of murmuring and woe. I 
inquired the cause, and was told that to lie in a ham- 
mock was like being in a sack — they could neither move 
hand nor foot, and that it was dreadful. 

I laughed at their complaints, and told them how to 
place themselves more comfortably. 

‘‘Lay yourselves across,’’ I cried, “from one corner 
to the other, wrap yourselves in the bed-covering, and 
you will soon be asleep. If a sailor can sleep in a ham- 
mock, I should think a young Swiss boy ought to be 
able to do so.” 

After a few sighs and attempts to place themselves 
rightly, all became tranquil; and before long I knew, 
by their gentle breathing, that my children were in the 
arms of sleep ; but I slept not. 

During the early part of the night I was very rest- 
less. I could not satisfy myself of our security from 
danger. From time to time, if one of the logs of wood 
burnt out, I lighted another. At first it seemed easy 
to descend from my hammock; but after midnight I 
felt so unwilling to move, that I contented myself with 
merely looking over to see if all was in order. At 
last, towards morning, sleep overpowered me so com- 
pletely, that I did not awake till late in the day, and 
found that my wife and the boys had left their ham- 
mocks, and were busily employed in preparing break- 
fast. 


118 


CHAPTER XI 

A CASTLE IN THE AIR 

O N descending from my hammock after that anxious 
night, I found that my wife, when she had milked 
the cow and attended to the animals, had harnessed 
the ass with the straps she had made the day previous, 
in readiness for a journey to the beach, as she intended 
to fetch the planks and beams for erecting our house 
in the tree. 

After breakfast and our morning prayers, she pro- 
posed to take the younger boys, Ernest, Jack, and 
Frank, with her for this purpose, while I and Fritz 
were making all the measurements and preparations 
in the tree. 

I hesitated at first to allow her to undertake such 
heavy work; but she said truly it would save time, 
and with the help of the ass and the assistance of the 
three boys, there would be no difficulty. 

As soon as they had started, Fritz and I ascended 
the tree, and found that the center of the trunk from 
which the curving branches sprang was in every way 
suitable for our purpose. These branches wj^re strong, 
thick, and close together, and near the trunk, before 
they bent downwards, almost horizontal for a con- 
siderable length; I decided, therefore, to use these as 
beams for a flooring. 

On the upper branches, at about five or six feet 
above us, I determined to hang our hammocks, and over 
those a little higher up to stretch a large piece of sail- 
cloth as a ceiling and roof for our aerial castle. 

The space between the sail-cloth and the floor I 

119 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


cleared by cutting away branches that grew across it, 
and by the time my wife and the boys returned with 
their first load, everything was in readiness. 

By the means of a pulley and a rope, which I had 
fastened to a branch the night before, we were able to 
draw up piece by piece the wood suitable for our floor- 
ing. 

To make it secure I placed double planks, and when 
this was completed, Fritz and I erected, with pieces 
of wood of about three feet long, a hand-rail all round 
it, forming an enclosure which already appeared like a 
room, though without as yet walls or ceiling, excepting 
those formed by the foliage of the tree. 

The whole morning was occupied in this work; my 
wife and the boys having in the meantime brought up 
three loads of planks and beams from the beach. 

No one had even thought of dinner, so we were 
obliged to be satisfied for this time with the cold re- 
mains of last night ^s supper. 

After our repast we returned to our work in the tree, 
and, slinging up the hammocks on the branches, pre- 
pared to raise the sail-cloth over all as a ceiling. This 
was a far more difficult task, and but for the help of 
the pulley, which we had to move for the purpose, 
would never have been accomplished. 

At length to our great joy we succeeded, and man- 
aged to draw it over the upper branches ; and then, by 
fastening the corners to our hand-rail on three sides, 
we were Jble to leave the fourth side uncovered as a 
means of entrance and light; and thus before sunset 
this wonderful resting-place in the tree was completed 
to our great satisfaction. 

When Fritz and I at last desisted from our work, and 
descended the rope ladder, we found several small 
planks which I thought would be suitable for a table 
and two benches. Tired as I was, I at once set to work, 
and by nailing the planks on the highest parts of the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


roots for a table, and on the lower curves for benches, 
I succeeded in forming a most useful addition to our 
arrangements. 

Throwing myself at last on one of the benches I had 
just finished, I wiped the perspiration from my fore- 
head, and said, 

^^Dear wife, I am really. tired of this hard work, and 
I mean to rest all day to-morrow. ’ ^ 

‘‘You not only can rest,” she replied, “but it will be 
your duty to do so. I have been calculating the days, 
and I find that to-morrow will be Sunday. We have 
already passed one without keeping it, for you were 
hard at work on the wreck.” 

“I am indeed thankful to hear such good news,” I 
replied; “and to-morrow the day shall be properly re- 
membered. Indeed, now that we are settled and, for 
a few months, in comparative safety, it would be un- 
grateful in us not to lift up our hearts in thankfulness 
to God for His protection hitherto, and to render to 
Him more service on His day than our daily prayers. ’ ’ 
“I shall rejoice indeed,” replied my wife, “for this 
day of rest without trouble or anxiety. The aerial 
castle which you appear to have so solidly constructed 
takes away my greatest fear, and deserves my warmest 
thanks, dear husband. I mean to-night, for the first 
time, to venture to mount to our new sleeping quarters, 
for at least we shall be safer from the attacks of jack- 
als or other wild beasts. We need not tell the children 
to-night about to-morrow being Sunday,” she added; 
‘ ‘ it will be such a pleasant surprise to them. And now 
supper must be ready. Will you call the boys while 
I prepare it on our new table ? ’ ’ 

In a few moments they eagerly answered the call, 
and then the mother appeared with a large earthen pot, 
which seemed to contain a mystery, — quickly solved, 
however, as she removed the cover and drew from it 
with a fork the flamingo shot by Fritz. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


intended to roast it/^ she said, ‘‘but Ernest re- 
minded me that it was no doubt old and tough, so I 
have stewed it. ’ ’ 

The idea of the young scholar advising his mother 
on the subject of cookery greatly amused us, but we 
found the advantage of his advice, for the stewed 
flamingo with its rich dressing was so palatable, that 
we ate it with extreme relish, every bone being picked 
clean. 

While we were at supper we were pleased to see 
the wounded flamingo, mixing in a most friendly man- 
ner with our poultry, who came as usual to beg for 
crumbs. We had found him already so tame, that dur- 
ing the afternoon I gave him his liberty. It was very 
amusing to see him walking about quite gravely, and 
making no attempt to run away. 

Even the little monkey was overcoming his shyness, 
and amused us with a thousand grimaces. He was not 
forgotten by the boys, who laughingly rewarded him 
for his tricks now and then with some nice little pieces 
from their own share. 

We had nearly finished supper when our sow, which 
had not been seen all day, came to pay us a visit. Her 
friendly grunt seemed to express her pleasure at hav- 
ing found us again. My wife, after milking the cow 
and supplying the boys with their usual quantity, gave 
the remainder to the sow, hoping to attract the animal 
to remain -near us. I felt inclined to find fault with this 
apparent waste; but she said, rightly, that as we had 
not enough vessels in which to preserve the milk, it 
was better to obtain it only as we required it; and if 
the supply was greater than we needed, to give it to 
the animals, for in such a climate it would quickly turn 
sour. 

“Besides,’’ she continued, “I am able by this to 
save the salt and grain, which is decreasing very fast. 
By and by we may become clever enough to make 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


butter and cheese, and construct vessels to bold the 
milk/’ 

‘‘Salt is easily obtained from the rocks,” I said; 
“and on our next voyage to the wreck we can bring 
you plenty of grain.” 

‘‘Oh, dear!” she exclaimed, “always that dreadful 
ship ! There will be no peace for me till those voyages 
are over! I am in agonies all the while you and the 
boys are away.” 

“But, my dear,” I replied, “there is no necessity 
for such excessive fear on your part. I should not 
venture unless weather and sea and sky are quite calm. 
And while the way is open for us to save so many use- 
ful things which still remain on the vessel, we ought 
not in our present position to neglect it. ’ ’ 

While we thus conversed the boys lighted a fire round 
our tree, to protect not only ourselves, but the animals, 
who again sought shelter under the roots. Indeed, we 
were all ready for sleep and rest. The three elder 
boys ascended the ladder with lightning speed. Their 
mother followed slowly and not without some fear, but 
she arrived safe at last. 

Little Frank still remained; and after unfastening 
the lower end of the rope ladder from the roots, that I 
might draw it up after me, I took the little one on my 
back and prepared to ascend. 

Our double weight caused the unfastened ladder to 
swing slightly in the air, and rendered the ascent dif- 
ficult. 

Happily, however, we reached the top in safety, and, 
to the great satisfaction of the children, drew up the 
ladder after me; and they declared that they could 
fancy themselves in a knight’s castle of olden feudal 
times, with the drawbridge raised as a protection from 
the enemy. 

After the tranquillity of the preceding night I felt 
it unnecessary to worry myself about keeping up the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fire. We provided ourselves, however, with firearms, 
that we might be ready to assist our watchful dogs in 
case of alarm. I laid myself to rest in peace; indeed, 
we were all so fatigued, that in a very few minutes we 
were sleeping sweetly in our hammocks, and did not 
wake till the sun was high in the heavens. 

After such a night of refreshing sleep the boys arose 
full of spirits, and inquired eagerly, 

^‘What are we going to do to-day, papaT’ 

‘‘Nothing, my boys; not a single stroke of work.’’ 

“Ah, dear papa, you are joking!” cried one. “You 
are making fun of us!” 

“No, children,” I replied, “I am not joking: it is 
Sunday to-day, and we will keep it properly. ’ ’ 

“Sunday!” cried Jack; “that is good news. I can 
use my bow and arrow, take a walk, or be lazy, just 
as I please.” 

“That is a very improper speech, my boy,” I said. 
“Sunday is God’s day, which He has fixed for us to 
worship Him, serve Him, and offer Him thanks.” 

“But, papa,” said little Frank, “there is no church 
here; so we cannot go and hear the sermon, or listen 
to the organ playing.” 

“Just as if our father couldn’t preach us a sermon, 
or help us to sing without an organ!” said Jack. 

“Quite true, my child,” I replied, “and you know 
that God is everywhere; and if we sincerely wish to 
serve and praise Him and to do His will, we can do so 
amidst the beauties of nature and beneath the blue 
vault of heaven, which He has created, quite as accept- 
ably as in the most splendid cathedral made by man. 
And now let us consider seriously what we are about 
to do. First we will sing a hymn and offer our morn- 
ing prayers, and then I will relate to you a parable.” 

“A parable! Oh, a parable from the Bible, papaF’ 

“My boys, we have not a Bible yet; but I hope in 
my next visit to the ship to bring away a box of books 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


from the captain cabin, and no doubt a Bible is among 
them. ^ ’ 

I saw Ernest’s eyes sparkle at the idea of having 
books, but be did not speak, and as I knelt to offer our 
prayers and thanksgivings to God for His merciful 
care, the boys followed my example in silence. 

Then we sang one or two hymns which we all knew 
by heart; and my wife and the boys seating themselves 
on the ground beneath our tree, I related to them my 
parable. 

THE COLONISTS OF A GREAT KING. 

Once upon a time there lived a great Monarch, a 
portion of whose kingdom was entitled the Realms of 
Reality, or the Day, because there the purest and 
brightest light shone continually, and darkness was 
unknown. There also existed no idleness, but all the 
inhabitants were active and constantly employed. 

Upon the distant frontiers of this country, and on 
the northern coast, was another division of the Great 
King’s dominions, so extensive that none could ima^ne 
or describe its boundaries ; yet in the eternal archives 
a plan had been preserved, known only to the King 
himself. 

This second dominion was entitled the Kingdom of 
Insensibility , or Darkness, because all who dwelt in it 
were in a state of gloom and inactivity. 

In the most fertile and most agreeable portion of 
the Kingdom of Day the Great King had a Palace, sit- 
uated in a beautiful place named the Celestial City. 

Here he dwelt and held his court, which was more 
brilliant than imagination can form any idea of. 
Amidst his guards and his servants exalted in dignity 
who were around him, the Great King sat, while each 
waited to receive his orders, and to obey them with 
pleasure and delight. 

Those of his attendants who were highest in office 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


were clothed in robes of a texture as soft as silk and 
white as the snow, for white, the image of purity, was 
a favorite hue with the Great King. Others carried 
in their hands two-edged swords, that glittered in the 
light, and their attire presented all the beautiful colors 
of the rainbow. Each and all of these royal servants 
held themselves in readiness to perform the will of 
their Great Euler, at the first signal, and with the 
rapidity of lightning. 

Their happiness was increased when admitted to his 
presence, and their countenances, resplendent with 
sweet joy, bore the impress of peaceful calm and seren- 
ity. 

All sin, all uneasiness and trouble were absent; be- 
tween them was one heart and one mind, a fraternal 
regard for each other uniting them in one bond of un- 
ion, and entirely preventing rivalry or jealousy. 

The rest of the inhabitants of the Celestial City, as 
well as others who were not so closely associated with 
their Monarch, were still good, loyal, and happy, for 
they were enriched by benefits frpm the Great King, 
and received without ceasing marks of his goodness; 
for all his subjects are equal in his eyes, and he loves 
and treats them as his children. 

Besides these great countries, the Great King had a 
large and uninhabited island belonging to his domin- 
ions, which he desired to cultivate; for at present it 
was a species of chaos or' confusion. 

This island he had destined to be for some years the 
residence of a number of his citizens in the Land of 
Darkness, whom he intended after a few years to re- 
ceive into the Celestial City, if they rendered them- 
selves worthy of such an honor by their obedience and 
good conduct. 

This island was to be their terrestrial home for a 
certain time, to give them an opportunity of obtaining 
such a glorious reward. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


To carry out this intention, the Great King equipped 
a fleet of ships, to convey these new colonists to the 
terrestrial island from the Land of Darkness, and thus 
awarded to them as his first benefit the enjoyment 
of the beautiful light of nature, to them hitherto un- 
known. 

We can imagine what pleasure this afforded them, 
especially when their eyes became accustomed to the 
light, and the objects it disclosed. They knew also 
that the opportunity of being admitted to the Celestial 
City was now open to them, and what was required 
by the King, — to cultivate the land and render it fer- 
tile, never to relax in their efforts for this purpose, 
and strictly to obey his commands. 

To assist them in their duties, each received on ar- 
riving at the island a portion of ground for himself, 
and all the necessary tools and implements required 
in his work ; and at various times instruction was given 
to all by the Great King’s messengers, who were sent 
as teachers and guides. 

All the colonists seemed quite ready to obey the 
commands of the Sovereign at first, and made the most 
earnest promises of fulfilling the purpose for which 
they were placed on the island. 

But this state of things did not last long: many be- 
came idle and indifferent, neglected their fields and 
gardens, sowed inferior grain, or allowed weeds to 
grow which choked the flowers in their growth, lost 
their tools, and altogether forgot to obey the com- 
mands of the Great King. 

In vain the King’s messengers warned them that 
they would be sent back to the Land of Darkness, and 
punished for their conduct; the rebellious colonists 
would not listen ; and at last the day arrived when the 
King required an account of their doings, and came 
himself to pass judgment upon them. 

All their excuses then were of no avail: the disobe- 

127 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


dient were condemned to banislament to the Land 
of Darkness f while those who had obeyed the King’s 
commands accompanied him back to the Celestial City, 
and became either happy citizens or were admitted as 
members of the royal household, and raised to posi- 
tions higher or lower according to the pleasure of the 
Great King. 

I paused as I finished my parable, and asked Fritz, 

^‘Well, Fritz, what strikes you most strongly in this 
allegory!” 

< < The goodness of the Great King, papa, and the in- 
gratitude of the colonists.” 

‘‘And you, Ernest!” 

“Why, papa, I think they were most foofish people 
to act as they did, when they knew what an agreeable 
life they might have in the Celestial City, if they were 
obedient. ’ ’ 

“If I had been there,” said little Frank, “I would 
have tried to deserve those beautiful dresses like the 
rainbow. Ah! how grand they must be!” 

“Ah! my children,” I said, “I have tried to repre- 
sent to you in this allegory the conduct of God towards 
men, and their behavior towards God. You know we 
are placed here on earth by God as His colonists : we 
know that we shall be judged by Him at the last day; 
and those who have done good will be received into 
the kingdom of heaven, and those who have done evil 
will be sent into eternal darkness. We have to culti- 
vate the mind and the soul, and to root up all those 
weeds of pride, envy, hatred, angry passions, disobedi- 
ence to parents, and many other wrong inclinations to 
which grown people as well as children are liable, and 
if these are not conquered or uprooted, we cannot ex- 
pect to be admitted even as citizens to the Celestial 
‘ City.y 

With these words and a short earnest prayer, I 

128 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


closed the services of this our new Sunday worship. 

For a time our young people appeared to be thinking 
seriously over what they had heard, and asking each 
other questions, and at last they dispersed in different 
directions. 

I noticed, however, that they were unsettled and at 
a loss for employment ; and remembering that we had 
on this island no books, or Sunday-schools, or places 
of worship to engage their attention, I called them 
round me, and told them they might employ the rest 
of the day in innocent recreations, which would be less 
sinful in the sight of God than idleness, quarreling, 
or waste of time. They were at liberty, therefore, to 
choose their own favorite occupations. Little Frank 
came to me at once with a request that, as he was not 
allowed to have a gun, he might try to shoot with a 
bow and arrow, and asked me to make a little one for 
him. 

I could not refuse him ; but first I had to grant Jack 
permission to let him try to use my large bow, and also 
to fix on the tips of the arrows some porcupine ’s quills 
as points. 

I acceded to his request, and showed him how to 
fill the reeds with sand, and bind the points strongly 
with packthread. 

^^It would increase their strength if you could glue 
them on as well,’^ I said. 

wish I only knew where they sold glue in this 
country,’^ he replied, with a laugh; ‘‘I would soon go 
and buy some.’’ 

Ask mamma for one of those preserved soup tab- 
lets,” said Frank. ‘‘She says it sticks to the fingers 
just like glue.” 

“What!” cried Jack; “do you, with your little 
empty head, know better than we do ! ” 

‘ ‘ The idea is not bad, ’ ’ I said ; ‘ ‘ and we should listen 
to good hints from whatever source they may come. 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Many famous inventions owe their origin to sources 
even more simple than the suggestion of little Frank. 
Go and fetch one of the tablets. We can boil it in a 
cocoanut-shell, and discover what is the result. 

While Jack was making this experiment, came Fritz 
with a request that I would show him how to proceed 
with his knife-and-fork case, which he wished to con- 
struct of the skin of the margay. I advised him first 
to clean it thoroughly, and then at length seated myself 
on the grass to cut out and make a bow and arrows for 
little Frank. 

While thus employed, I reflected on the advantage 
it would be to my sons if they were able while young to 
use these weapons, for sooner or later our powder 
might fail, and then our means of obtaining food in one 
way would be lost. If the children of the wild Indians 
at a very early age could bring down birds with ar- 
rows from the tops of high trees at a distance of thirty 
or forty paces, why should not mine acquire the same 
skill with similar practice? 

While thus reflecting, and busy at the bow and ar- 
rows for little Frank, Ernest passed us ; and as at the 
same moment Fritz showed me the wet skin of the 
tiger-cat, I did not notice which way he went. 

While I was giving new directions to Fritz about 
the case, his mother said, 

^‘I think we should be very careful of the captain’s 
silver knife, fork, and spoon ; and if I were you, Fritz, 
I would not wear the case in my girdle, for fear of los- 
ing it. ’ ’ 

‘'But we saved it!” cried Jack. “It would most 
likely have been lost in the wreck else ; so it would be 
silly to give it back.” 

“That may be your childish opinion, Jack, my boy,” 
said I, “but it would be by no means honest.” 

At this moment we heard a shot fired above our 
heads, and suddenly at our feet fell two dead birds. 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Half angry and half alarmed, I looked np, and there 
stood Ernest at the fence of our tree-castle sleeping- 
apartment, and crying out triumphantly, 

<< There ! there ! Have I not aimed well! Isn’t that 
a good shot!” 

He came down the rope ladder with unusual haste 
as he spoke, and ran with Frank to pick up his prey, 
which he brought to me. I found that one of the 
birds was a kind of thrush, and the other a species of 
small pigeon named by the ancients the ortolan, and 
highly appreciated as a delicacy on account of its fat 
and exquisite flavor. 

I advised the boys not to shoot any more at present, 
as the wild figs when ripe would attract large flocks 
of these birds, and provide for us a new and agreeable 
means of subsistence. The ortolans, if placed in casks 
with melted butter poured over them, will keep good 
for a length of time. 

Very pleasant also was it to reflect that the figs 
would supply a large quantity of food for our chickens 
and pigeons, for I concluded rightly that they would 
eat the fruit which was so alluring to wild birds. I 
spoke of this to my wife when I took her the two birds 
which Ernest had shot to be prepared for our dinner, 
and she was as thankful as I was at one anxiety being 
thus partly removed. 


131 


CHAPTEE XII 


THE VISIT TO ZELTHEIM 

W HILE waiting for dinner, Jack was eagerly try- 
ing his bow and arrows, and shooting in every 
direction. I had already completed a small how and 
arrows for little Frank; but when I hoped to be able 
to rest, he came to me with an earnest request that I 
would also make him a quiver. 

‘‘You know, papa,’’ said the little man, “it is quite 
as proper to have a quiver for the arrows, as a powder 
and shot-pouch for a ^n.” 

I gave way to his wish, and stripping some flexible 
bark from the branch of a tree, I glued it together in 
the form of a quiver, which I hung across his shoulder, 
to his great delight. 

When I had finished this, Fritz appeared with his 
tiger-cat’s skin and another inquiry; but as at this mo- 
ment the mother called us to dinner, the boys gladly 
threw aside their various employments, to seat them- 
selves at the table. During the meal I made a propo- 
sition which I thought would be quite to their taste. 

“My boys,” I said, “would it not be very convenient 
if we were to give names suitable to the different spots 
we have visited since we landed.here ? We do not know 
the real name of the country, nor whether it has been 
already visited by some clever traveler, who has named 
it and placed the name on a map. But we can do this 
to those spots in which we have taken shelter, or where 
anything remarkable has been discovered by us; so 
that in future we may understand each other when 
speaking of them. In time, also, we may fancy our- 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


selves in a country well inhabited, and in places which 
we have known for a long time. ^ ^ 

“Oh!^’ cried Jack, ‘‘what a capital plan! Where 
shall we begin ! At the bay in which we first landed ! ’ ’ 

“That should be named ‘Oyster Bay,’ ” cried Fritz: 
“don’t you remember the quantity of oysters we 
found?” 

“No,” said Jack, “ ‘Crab’s Bay’ would be the best, 
because one caught hold of my leg while we were there. ’ ’ 

“I think,” said his mother, “we ought to prove our 
thankfulness to God for saving us by calling it Deliver- 
ance Bay/^ 

This name was highly approved by all, and then I 
proposed that our first resting-place should be called 
Zeltheim, or our Tent Home; the isle at the entrance 
to the bay, upon which we had found the dead shark, 
was to be named {Haifif chins el) Shark^s Island; and 
the marsh where Fritz had killed a flamingo {Flamant 
Zumpf) Flamingo Marsh. 

“And now,” I asked, “what title shall we give to our 
aerial castle?” 

Many names were proposed, but mine at last set 
all others aside. I decided that (Falkonhurst) F al- 
canas Nest was far the most appropriate, as well as 
being a poetical name. 

It was easy to give names to the remaining places 
after this. The promontory on which Fritz and I 
looked in vain for any traces of our fellow passengers 
we named False Hope Point, and the river near our 
tent home where the jackals fought with our brave 
dogs. Jackal River. 

After this arrangement was completed, dinner be- 
ing ended, we each returned to our work. While Fritz 
proceeded to finish his skin case. Jack came to ask my 
assistance in making a coat of mail for Turk out of the 
skin of the porcupine. 

I first showed him how to clean it with sand and 

133 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ashes, then I assisted him in cutting out and forming 
bands of the prickly skin. The inner side, while only 
half dry, was placed on the back of the patient Turk, 
and fastened round his body. Thus attired, he pre- 
sented a most remarkable appearance; and in such 
armor it seemed as if not even a hyena would be able 
to overpower him. 

Floss, however, greatly disapproved of Turk’s at- 
tire ; for if he approached near her or attempted any 
playfulness, the points of the quills pricked her so 
sharply that she howled with pain, and kept at a re- 
spectful distance. I therefore removed the coat of 
mail from Turk’s back, until another could be made 
for his comrade, and desired the boys only to put them 
on at night, or when any danger of attacks from wild 
beasts rendered it necessary. 

Jack decided to make a cap for himself out of the 
porcupine ’s skin, as well as Floss ’s coat of mail ; so he 
stretched the remainder over the roots of the tree to 
dry, that it might be ready when he had leisure to 
use it in making these articles. 

Meanwhile Ernest and Frank were busy with their 
bows and arrows, and became quite expert, some- 
times assisted by Fritz and Jack; but as the afternoon 
passed away, and the heat became less oppressive, I 
invited my family to accompany me in a walk. 

‘‘Let us give up amusing ourselves,” I said, “and 
close the day suitably by enjoying the freedom of na- 
ture, and tracing the goodness and wisdom of its 
Creator. Which road shall we take I” 

“To Zeltheim, I think,” said Jack; “for we shall 
want more powder and shot by and by, to enable us to 
lay up a store of those beautiful birds on the fig-trees. ’ ’ 
“And I vote for Zeltheim also,” said his mother, 
‘ ‘ Our butter is nearly all gone, Fritz has used so much 
for his tanning performances, and the young gentle- 
man endeavored to persuade me that to use good and 
134 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


savory fat for cooking was much more economical than 
using butter.’’ 

‘‘Ah, yes!” said Ernest; “and if we could manage 
to bring over a few ducks and geese from the brook, 
that would be capital!” 

“Your reasons are all of importance,” I said, “so 
we will turn our steps towards Zeltheim ; not by the old 
way on the beach, however : we must try to find a new 
route in the shadow of the ridge of rocks which borders 
our river. We shall then be shaded from the sun till 
we reach the point at which the Jackal Brook falls 
over the pebbles in its course, and that is not far from 
Zeltheim. It will be nearly sunset on our return, and 
we can cross the bridge and come back by the old road 
on the beach. If we keep a good look-out on the way, 
we shall no doubt make new discoveries.” 

My proposal was greatly approved, and we were 
very soon ready to start. Fritz wore a girdle of 
the tiger-cat’s tail; but his knife-case was not yet com- 
pleted for him to wear it. 

Jack marched proudly forward, his head covered 
with the half-finished cap of the porcupine’s skin. We 
were all armed in case of danger : even little Frank car- 
ried his bow in his hand, and his quiver full of arrows 
at his back. My wife alone was unarmed, excepting 
with a large jar, to be re-filled with butter from the 
cask at Zeltheim. 

Turk, wearing again his coat of mail, marched in 
front, in a well-behaved and quiet manner. The little 
monkey, who preferred to ride on Turk’s back, with his 
usual fancy for accompanying us, sprang to his accus- 
tomed seat before we could prevent him ; but no sooner 
did he feel the sharp points of the quills, than with sur- 
prise and a terrible outcry he jumped to the ground, 
chattering and showing his teeth savagely. 

He did not intend, however, to be left behind, and 
therefore, with some hesitation, and to the great as- 
135 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


tonishment of Floss, lie leaped on her back, and seated 
himself so firmly that no efforts of the animal could 
shake him off. Floss at last gave way, and submitted 
with good temper to her impertinent rider. 

I was still more amused at finding that our good 
flamingo had also joined our walking party in the most 
familiar manner ; and when the children teased him in 
play, he came to put himself under my protection, and 
followed me closely with a grave and measured step. 

Our walk by the brook proved most unusually agree- 
able. During the whole route we enjoyed the pleasant 
shade from large trees in full foliage, or from the ridge 
of rocks which extended for a long distance between the 
beach and the stream. The soft grass under our feet 
formed a far more pleasant path than the pebbles and 
sand of the shore. Altogether the place was so at- 
tractive, that my wife and I did not hurry ourselves, 
but sauntered along at our ease, while the boys ram- 
bled hither and thither in search of new discoveries. 
So we came to the end of the wood, and I was about to 
call my young people and collect them together before 
continuing our way, when I saw them approaching at 
full gallop, and this time the deliberate Ernest arrived 
first, but gasping for breath with joy and haste, and 
unable to utter a word for a few moments respecting 
the green roots which he held before my eyes. 

“Papa!’’ he cried at last, when he recovered his 
voice, “look! potatoes! potatoes!” 

“What! what, my boy?” I exclaimed: “that is too 
good news to be true, I fear ; but let me examine these 
roots, I cannot believe it possible that you have really 
found such a precious fruit!” 

“I know they are potatoes, papa,” said Fritz, con- 
fidently ; ^ ‘ and Ernest has been very lucky to discover 
such a valuable plant for us.” 

“I am still afraid,” said his mother, “there may be 
other plants in this country with bulbous roots, re- 
136 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sembling potatoes. We are so ready to believe wbat 
we earnestly wish for.^’ 

‘‘Let ns go to the spot in which Ernest has found 
these bulbs/’ I said. 

And with eager haste the boys led us to the place. 
A few moments served to convince me of the joyful 
fact that a little forest of potato plants in full flower 
lay at our feet; and humble as the flowers might be, 
they were of far more value to us than all the roses of 
Persia. A portion of the plants had run to seed, in 
another part they had withered ; but most of them were 
in full bloom, and here and there young plants were 
sprouting from the ground. 

“Oh!” cried Jack, “I knew they were potatoes! 
Oh! what a treat for us!” 

And as he spoke he rushed forward, and kneeling 
down, began to scrape away the earth and dig the roots 
up with his hands. Master Monkey instantly sprang 
upon the ground and followed his example; but he 
scraped and dug more quickly and cleverly than J ack, 
for he picked out the most beautiful and the ripest, and 
after smelling each he threw it aside, so that in a very 
short time quite a large heap of potatoes had been 
gathered up. At last little Frank took upon himself 
the task of running after the mischievous animal, and 
drove him away. 

The boys continued working some time longer with 
their hands or a knife so diligently, that at last our 
sack and game-bag were as full as possible of the valu- 
able vegetable. 

Then we continued our walk towards Zeltheim. 

Ernest, however, proposed that we should at once 
return to Falcon’s Nest, for two reasons: first, because 
the potatoes were a heavy load; and secondly, that 
we might cook them for supper, and have a feast. But 
I reminded him that there existed still stronger rea- 
sons that we should go on to Zeltheim. So we con- 
137 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


tinned our walk pleasantly and in good spirits, in spite 
of the heavy load. 

^‘Children,’’ I said presently, ‘^how can we thank 
God in the best way for all His benefits to us T ^ 

“Oh, I know,’’ said little Frank: “we can say onr 
grace as we always do, ‘We thank Thee, O God, for 
all Thy gifts; bless them to us for Jesus’ sake. 
Amen.’ ” 

“Oh, no, Franky, that is not long enough,” said 
Fritz: “besides, our best way of showing our gratitude 
to God is to love Him with all our hearts, and obey 
him cheerfully. You know if we said to papa and 
mamma, ‘I thank you for all your kindness to me,’ and 
yet were disobedient and made them angry, our words 
of thanks would be useless.” 

“Quite right, my dear Fritz,” I said: “the benefits 
we receive should awaken in our hearts love for the 
Giver, and that love would make us always willing to 
serve and obey His commands. People never will- 
ingly offend those whom they love and who are dear 
to them.” 

While thus conversing we arrived at the rocky source 
whence our little river rippled softly with a mur- 
muring sound over the pebbles, forming as it fell a 
charming cascade. But to reach the Jackal Brook we 
had to struggle through the high grass with the chain 
of rocks on our right, and as we emerged from it a 
beautiful prospect lay before us, very different from 
anything we had hitherto seen. The face of the shelv- 
ing rocky wall presented a sight of wonderful mag- 
nificence, resembling greatly a European conserva- 
tory. The ledges and cliffs, like the shelves of a hot- 
house, were rich in rare and blooming plants ; not, how- 
ever, placed here by the hand of man, but growing 
wild in rich luxuriance. 

There were tropical plants of all descriptions, prickly 
shrubs and flowers of every hue, which could only be 
138 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


reared in hothouses at home; the Indian fig, the aloe, 
crested with white blossoms, the tall stately cactus, 
with its prickly leaf and amber flowers, the creeping- 
plants ^ winding their tendrils over every stem, and 
spreading perfume around us from their many-colored 
blossoms. 

But above all we were delighted to find fruit trees, 
and among others, to our great joy, the royal anana, 
which has been named the king of fruits. 

After this the boys seemed inclined to disregard 
the other rare trees and prickly grasses which grew 
near, for they quickly recognized the costly fruit, and 
knowing they were good to eat, began to gather them 
eagerly. 

The monkey, however, was beforehand with them, 
and while perched on the tree and greedily eating, 
his grimaces and chatter proved his delight. 

The boys also devoured the delicious fruit with such 
avidity, that I found it necessary to warn them that by 
eating too many they would make themselves ill, and 
their pleasure would be changed to pain. 

Presently I discovered among the various prickly- 
leaved plants a karatas, a kind of aloe, partly in bloom, 
but chiefly covered with young shoots. This plant was 
to me a welcome sight. 

‘‘See, boys,” I called out: “this is a much more 
valuable discovery than the ananas. The under foli- 
age of this plant resembles the anana, but the stem is 
far more elegant: observe how slender and upright it 
grows, and then what a beautiful blossom ! ^ ’ 

‘ ‘ Oh, ^ ’ exclaimed Ernest, ‘ ‘ all that is nothing if there 
is no fruit. The ananas are far more valuable, papa; 
we will give up willingly all these flowers and leaves 
to you, if we may keep the ananas.” And I could 
see by their looks that all the rest agreed with him. 

“Greedy boy,” I said with a laugh; “you are like 
the rest of the world; you give up a true and lasting 
139 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


advantage for the sake of a passing enjoyment. How- 
ever, we will talk about this by and by ; now I want a 
light. Will you strike one for me, Ernest? The flint 
and steel are here. ’ ’ * 

‘‘But, papa, there is no tinder here, nor a match,’’ 
said Jack; “we can’t get a light.” 

“Of course not,” I said; “but tell me, Ernest, sup- 
posing we had no tinder, and our supply was all used 
up, how should we obtain a light I ’ ’ 

“We should be obliged to imitate the savages, and 
rub two pieces of wood together till they caught fire. ’ ’ 

“A difficult performance,” I replied, “especially for 
those who are not accustomed to it. I have no doubt 
that after rubbing the wood together for a whole day, 
you would not succeed in getting a light.” 

“I suppose, then, we should have to wait patiently 
till we found a more suitable tree with the wood already 
prepared.” 

“Not even then,” I said. “We burn linen now in a 
tinder-box, but we cannot continue to do so here, for 
linen is useful for better purposes, and we have not 
more than we need ; would it not be well for us to find 
our tinder ready prepared and growing?” 

With these words I broke off a thin branch of the 
karata-tree, peeled off the outer bark, took out the pith, 
and then laying a piece on the flint, struck it with the 
steel, and in a moment the new-fashioned tinder was 
in a flame. 

The boys looked on astonished for a few moments, 
then they cried out joyfully, 

“Oh, how wonderful! Hiurrah! Long live the tin- 
der-tree ! ’ ’ 

“That is not the only use of this valuable tree,” I 

* This story was written in the German language long before lucifer 
matches were invented. A tinder-box containing half-burnt rag with 
a flint and steel, and matches tipped with brimstone, were the only 
means of obtaining a light in those days. 

140 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


said; ‘‘and I am glad to be able to inform your mother 
that when she wishes to mend our clothes, I can supply 
her with thread.’^ 

‘ ‘ Ah ! indeed that will be a treasure to me, ’ ’ said my 
wife. “It has troubled me greatly for a long time to 
have only packthread to sew with. ’ ’ 

“Your trouble will be over now,’’ I said, “for in the 
leaf of the karata is found all that you require.” 

With this I split a leaf in her presence, and drew out 
a quantity of very strong yet beautifully fine thread; 
certainly not longer than the leaf, yet still long enough 
to form a needleful. These I placed in her hands, to 
her great satisfaction, while I remarked to the boys, 

“You see, children, it is not safe to judge by appear- 
ances. The karata, which you despise, proves far more 
useful than the dainty ananas, which only tickle the 
palate.” 

“Yes,” cried Ernest, “I’ll own that now; but what 
is the use of all the other prickly plants that grow 
here in such abundance!” 

‘ ‘ They are all useful in some way, no doubt, ” I re- 
plied, “although we may not understand how. That 
plantain is a most valuable tree,” I continued, point- 
ing to it as I spoke: “it flourishes best on dry barren 
soil, and produces the largest and most juicy leaves. 
It appears, indeed, to derive its nourishment more 
from the air than the earth, and bears a species of fig, 
which in climates like this is very wholesome and re- 
freshing, and is of course a great advantage.” 

Hardly had I uttered these words, when Jack rushed 
forward in haste to fill his pockets with the figs ; but, 
being surrounded by prickly leaves, the points of wMch 
ran into his fingers, rushed back crying and shaking 
his hands most piteously. I laughed at him for his 
imprudent haste, while I drew out the thorns from his 
fingers, and then showed him how to handle the fruit. 

I shook down a ripe fig into my hat, cut with my 

141 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


knife the little sprouts from each end, then holding it 
between my finger and thumb at these two points, I 
pared off the prickly rind with my knife, and gave a 
piece of the fruit to the boys to taste, which they ap- 
proved of most highly. 

To gather some themselves in this novel fashion was 
now a most attractive performance. Fritz stuck one 
on a pointed stick, and after stripping off the peel as 
he would from a radish, politely offered it to his 
mother, who praised him for his attention. 

Meanwhile Jack, who held a fig on the point of his 
knife, was turning it round in every direction and ex- 
amining it attentively. 

‘^Papa,’’ he said at last, there is such a lot of lit- 
tle insects crawling about on this fig, quite at their 
ease, and they are as red as blood.’’ 

‘‘Ah! another discovery,” I exclaimed; “let me look 
at them. Why, my boy, they are cochineal, most truly 
and surely. You have found out a most profitable use 
of this fig-tree, at all events.” 

“But what are cochineal P’ he asked. 

‘ ‘ Insects that live on the leaf of this plant, which con- 
tains red sap, or on the blood-red berries, from which 
it obtains that bright red color. They are collected 
principally in America, where people shake them from 
the trees into a cloth; they are then dried, packed to- 
gether, and form a very important part of the color 
trade, as from these insects is produced the richest and 
most beautiful scarlet.” 

“Well,” said Fritz, “that fig-tree is a wonderful 
plant, and we have already discovered two advantages 
it possesses over the sweet-tasting ananas.” 

“I can tell you of a third advantage belonging to our 
fig-tree,” I said: “its branches are often used to form 
a thick shelter and defense against wild beasts, or even 
to serve as a protection from the attacks of men; and 
although the enemy might be able to cut down this 
142 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fence, yet the performance would take a long time, 
and give those in the house an opportunity to escape. ’ ’ 
exclaimed Jack, disbelieving, ‘‘I should think 
the branches were too soft and weak for a fence and 
as he spoke the little man took up an ax, and cut at a 
branch which lay on the ground near with all his might. 
At the same moment a half -withered leaf flew down, 
and stuck through his thin trousers into his leg with 
such force, that he uttered a loud cry, and wished he 
had never touched the prickly plant. 

I could not help laughing at the boy’s mistake, and 
told him that to cut branches in pieces and to form a 
fence of such plants as these was no easy task; and even 
when erected by half -naked savages, it could only be 
broken into by civilized men fully provided with fire- 
arms. 

‘‘But, papa,” said Jack, “what is the use of those 
plants which l)ear no fruit nor feed insects!” 

“I cannot be supposed to know the use of every 
plant,” I replied; “but no doubt they are formed by 
the great Creator for some wise purpose. These trees, 
for instance, with tall stems and branches growing so 
high, appear of the same species as those described by 
Bruce in his travels in Abyssinia. The high and thick 
branches form food for the elephant and the giraffe, 
who are tall enough to reach them. Besides, do you 
forget that the camel and the ass are fond of thistles 
and thorns!” 

“Oh, I forgot that,” said Ernest. “One would sup- 
pose their throats and stomachs were lined with iron, 
and that the thorns only tickle their palates as they 
go down, and taste very nice.” 

While thus talking we reached the shallow part of 
Jackal Eiver, and stepping cautiously over the pebbles, 
soon arrived at our tent. Everything remained as we 
had left it, and in a very few minutes we set about the 
business which had brought us to the spot. 

143 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Fritz ran to obtain a supply of powder and shot; 
my wife and little Frank hastened to fill the jar with 
butter from the cask; while Ernest and Jack repaired 
to the pond, and tried to catch the ducks and geese. 
But the creatures had been living alone so long that 
they were quite wild, and would not even allow the boys 
to approach them. They found at last that to catch 
them they must use stratagem. 

Ernest had in his pocket a piece of cheese, which he 
broke into small portions, and tying them to the end of 
long threads, threw them into the water as bait. In 
a few minutes the geese and ducks were drawn on 
shore. 

I could not help laughing at this droll contrivance, 
but I also advised the boys to draw out the thread from 
the throats of the deceived creatures cautiously. They 
heeded my request, and performed the operation with 
such care, that not one of the animals appeared to have 
suffered the least pain. 

We then covered up each of our prisoners with our 
pocket-handkerchiefs, so that only their heads and 
necks were visible, and fastened them in pairs on our 
shoulders outside the game-bags, where they traveled 
very comfortably. 

Our supply of salt was less than we had intended to 
carry back, for the bag destined for the salt was now 
full of potatoes ; but we managed to fill up the spaces 
between them with salt, and hoped to make that quan- 
tity last till we could again visit the tent. I was, how- 
ever, obliged to remove Turk’s coat of mail, and fasten 
on his strong back the heavy sack of potatoes and salt. 
The mail coat was left behind, as we hoped in a day or 
two to visit the tent again, for the butter-cask and a 
larger store of salt. 

A whistle and a call from me quickly assembled our 
party, and laden with the rich spoil, for which we were 
very thankful to God, we took the road to Falconhurst. 
144 



I 


; •• 







SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Our little caravan presented a droll appearance ; the 
stretched-out necks of the ducks and geese on our shoul- 
ders, who kept up a continual gabbling, added to the 
ridiculous spectacle. 

The gayety and gladness of our hearts made us for- 
get the weight of our burdens ; and we made no com- 
plaint till we arrived at Falcon’s Nest, and the cause 
was removed. 

Then our joy was doubled, and all fatigue forgot- 
ten, for the mother, without delay, prepared to light a 
fire and cook the longed-for potatoes. The delighted 
boys ran here and there, eager with coaxing words to 
help their mother as well as they could ; while I milked 
the cow and the goat, so that we might have pleasant 
drink to add to our enjoyable supper. 

While the meal was preparing, I set at liberty the 
imprisoned ducks and geese ; and after cutting the large 
feathers of their wings, to prevent them from flying 
away, I left them to become accustomed by degrees to 
the new locality. 

At length the much-praised and delicious potato 
supper was ready, and we enjoyed it quite as much as 
we had anticipated. After supper, not without heart- 
felt thanks to God for His mercies, we retired, fatigued 
and sleepy, to our airy castle, and enjoyed refreshing 
rest and repose till the morning. 


145 


CHAPTEE XIII 

THE SLEDGE, THE MASQUEEADE, AND THE KANGAEOO 

I HAD noticed on the way home many things lying 
on the strand which had been washed in from the 
wreck, especially some pieces of curved wood, which 
appeared to me suitable to form a sledge, which would 
enable us to bring the butter-cask and other articles 
to Falcon ^s Nest with ease. I immediately resolved 
to rise early next morning, proceed to the shore, and 
bring away whatever appeared useful for that purpose. 

I decided also to take Ernest with me. He was by 
nature indolent, and unwilling to rise in the morning 
early, unless some strong motive for so doing pre- 
sented itself; and I could leave Fritz as a protection 
to his mother and the younger boys. 

At the first glimmer of dawn I awoke, and roused 
Ernest, who, at the prospect of going with me, rose 
hastily ; and in a very short time we descended from the 
tree, unnoticed by the happy sleepers whom we left 
behind. 

I decided to take the ass with us ; and that he should 
not go empty, I cut down a strong brSnch of a tree and 
fastened it to him by ropes, that he might draw it to 
the beach, where I had no doubt it would be found use- 
ful. 

On the way I asked Ernest if he did not regret being 
awakened so early, and whether he would have pre- 
ferred to remain, and join his brothers in their shooting. 

‘‘Oh, no, papa!” he replied; “now I am up I don^t 
mind it a hit : jbesides, I like better to he with you, and 
146 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


there will be plenty of birds left, for I am almost sure 
that their first shots will fail.’’ 

‘‘And why, my boy?” I asked, surprised. 

“Well,” he replied, “because they will forget to 
draw out the balls from the guns and to replace them 
with small shot ; and if they do, I believe the balls will 
fly too low, and not reach halfway to the top of the 
trees. ’ ’ 

“I dare say you are right, Ernest,” I replied. 
“There is nothing better than thought and reflection 
before we undertake anything of importance; and yet 
in life a decision too long delayed is often fatal. Those 
who in a moment of alarm or danger retain their com- 
posure, and see promptly what they ought to do, pos- 
sess that most precious quality called presence of 
mind. ’ ’ 

Thus conversing, we arrived at the shore, and came 
upon the spot on which lay the curved wood, and for 
the present terminated our journey. Very quickly 
these boards were laid on the branch of a tree brought 
by the ass, while the smaller twigs which grew from 
it served to prevent the wood from slipping. 

As another means for this purpose we placed upon 
it a sea-chest, which lay half buried in the sand, and 
then turned our steps towards Falcon’s Nest. 

The journey home was long and tedious. We had 
to help the willing animal by the aid of two long poles, 
which we employed as levers now and then to raise 
the load and send it forward. 

As we approached we heard in the distance the pop- 
ping of guns, telling us that the destruction of the poor 
little birds had already commenced. But on our ap- 
pearance we were greeted with eager and joyful cries 
as the boys hastened to meet us. My wife at first 
gently reproached me for leaving her and the three 
boys without warning or farewell; but when she saw 
the wood, and heard that I hoped to make of it a sledge 
147 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


for tlie purpose of bringing the butter-cask and other 
articles to Falcon’s Nest, she was soon appeased. 

The chest was eagerly opened and examined, but 
found to contain nothing of importance. It was sim- 
ply a sailor’s locker, and the clothes and linen it held 
had been completely saturated and spoilt by sea-water. 

We were not sorry to hear when breakfast was an- 
nounced, and after breakfast I examined the result of 
the gunshots we had heard, and found altogether that 
the two boys had shot about five dozen grebes and 
ortolans. I also discovered that both Fritz and Jack 
had failed in their first shots, as Ernest had foreseen, 
by forgetting to remove the balls and replace them with 
shot, although they had quickly repaired this error, as 
their large booty proved. 

At the same time they had used so much ammuni- 
tion, that when they wished to commence shooting 
again, their mother interfered, and represented to them 
that at such a rate their store of powder and shot would 
soon fail, and that for the present she had birds 
enough. 

I fully agreed with this sensible advice, and re- 
minded the boys that if they were so extravagant, we 
should lose our means of defense as well as of obtain- 
ing nourishment. 

‘‘We must economize in every way, boys,” I said, 
“until we are able again to visit the wreck and get in 
a new stock of powder and provisions. Besides,” I 
continued, “I do not wish you to shoot only for the 
sake of trying your skill in killing the pretty creatures 
God has created. They are necessary for us here on 
this uninhabited island because we have no other means 
of obtaining food, but I should be sorry for my children 
to become cruel, or to see them find a pleasure in de- 
stroying life. We have no right to kill any of God’s 
creatures, unless they are dangerous wild beasts or 
those we need for food.” 


148 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Children are often cruel from want of thought, and 
I could see by the looks of my boys that I had placed 
the subject before them in a new light. Even little 
Frank said, 

‘‘I know, papa, if we hadn’t killed the jackals they 
would have kdled us and eaten us up, but it seems a 
pity to kill thnse pretty little birds.” 

/^So it does, Franky ; and we will not shoot any more 
at present. If we want them by and by for food, I 
will show you boys how to catch them in a trap that 
will kill them at once, without causing them to linger in 
pain, and save our powder and shot. ’ ’ 

At this moment a great commotion arose among our 
poultry. They screamed and cackled and fluttered 
about in such alarm, that I could only imagine a fox 
was in the midst of them. We ran with all speed to 
the spot, the mother accompanying us, under the im- 
pression that a hen had laid an egg. 

Ernest by chance caught sight of the monkey, and 
saw him rush under , one of the arched roots with a 
newly-laid egg in his paw; and as Ernest approached 
he disappeared behind the tree, for he was longing to 
make a meal of his stolen prize. From place to place 
he led his pursuer ; but Ernest was too quick for him, 
and at length in the grass found the egg, hidden with 
three others. Eagerly he carried the four eggs to his 
mother, who received them with joy and thankfulness. 

We resolved to prevent this freebooter from any 
future plunder by depriving him of his liberty while the 
hens were laying, till we had found a safe place of 
concealment for the eggs, intending, after a time, to 
let the prisoner free, and discover if his instinct would 
enable him to find out where the eggs lay hidden. My 
wife, who was anxious to collect a number to be hatched 
in case one of the hens should be inclined to sit, deter- 
mined to hide them while Master Nip was tied up. Of 
course, to be able to add a number of little chicks to our 
149 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


farmyard would be a great advantage, and they were 
concealed too cleverly for a monkey’s instinct to find 
them. 

After this disturbance I hoped to be able to com- 
mence operations on my sledge, but I was again inter- 
rupted. Jack, who had mounted our rope ladder to 
search for a suitable spot on which to place the bird- 
traps, came down hastily with the agreeable news that 
a pair of our pigeons were building a nest among the 
branches above. 

I at once gave strict orders that there should be no 
shooting in the trees, and that the idea of placing traps 
for the birds must for the present be set aside; and 
at last I found myself free to commence making my 
sledge. The boys followed me to the spot at which I 
had left the wood. As we walked, little Frank said, 

‘‘Papa, why can’t we sow gunpowder instead of 
those seeds to feed the animals? It would be much 
more useful than fodder to us.” 

His brothers laughed heartily at the little one’s 
fancy, and Ernest exclaimed, 

“Well, that is a wonderful proposal ! Why, Franky, 
gunpowder is not a seed; it will not grow like oats!” 

“Quite right, Ernest,” I said; “but how then is it 
obtained?” 

“I know,” he replied: “it is made of saltpeter, sul- 
phur, and charcoal, mixed together.” 

“And who was clever enough to discover that these 
substances united would form gunpowder?” I asked. 

“Eoger Bacon, a monk,” replied Ernest: “he was 
a native of England, and lived in the thirteenth cen- 
tury. ’ ’ 

At this moment the boys were called by their mother, 
and I at once commenced the construction of my sledge. 
The performance was very simple and quickly finished. 
I united the two curved pieces of wood by three pieces 
across, one in front and one behind, with a third in 
150 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the middle ; these were so placed that the carve of the 
side-pieces stood highest in front. I considered it al- 
together my most clever performance. 

I then fastened the drawing-ropes to the outer 
points, and my sledge stood complete. 

As I now for the first time raised my eyes from my 
work, and was about to join the. rest, I saw my wife and 
the boys occupied in plucking the birds, while at least 
two dozen were roasting before the fire on the blade 
of a Spanish sword belonging to one of the ship’s of- 
ficers, as a spit. 

The contrivance appeared to me very ingenious, but 
I could not help remarking that it was extravagant 
to cook so many birds at once. 

‘^No, no,” said my wife; ‘^we do not intend to make 
a feast fit for company to-day ; but as I am expecting 
you to fetch the cask of butter for me, I am half cook- 
ing some of the birds, that they may be in readiness to 
he wrapped in butter and preserved, according to your 
instructions. ’ ’ 

I had nothing to say in reply, so I prepared to start 
for our Tent Home with my sledge directly after din- 
ner. The mother proposed during my absence to have 
a regular wash-up of the clothes and linen, while the 
boys were taking a bath. I promised that Ernest 
should bathe on the journey, as I preferred to take him 
with me instead of Fritz, who was more able to protect 
those who remained behind. 

After dinner we set out on our expedition, and in 
addition to arms, each carried not only a hunting-knife, 
but a beautiful case, most ingeniously made by Fritz, 
containing a knife, fork, and spoon, in our girdles of 
shark’s skin. 

We harnessed both the cow and the ass to the sledge, 
invited Floss to accompany us, hut sent Turk hack as 
a protection to those at home, and with a fond fare- 
well started merrily on our way. 

151 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


As I knew the sledge would slide more easily on the 
sandy shore than through the high thick grass, I drove 
along the coast, and arrived without adventure at Zel- 
theim. We unharnessed the animals, and left them to 
find pasture, while we loaded the sledge, not only with 
the butter-cask, but also with the powder-barrel, the 
other cask of cheese, the bullets, small shot, and Turk’s 
little coat of mail, which had been left behind on the 
previous day. 

We were so absorbed in this work, that we did not’ 
at first notice the absence of our animals, who, at- 
tracted by the fresh green turf, had wandered away 
across the bridge over the Jackal Brook to the op- 
posite shore, and had quite disappeared. I desired 
Ernest to go in search of them with the dog, while I 
endeavored to find a convenient spot in which to bathe. 

On arriving at Deliverance Bay, I for the first time 
noticed a little creek, enclosed on one side by a marsh 
full of splendid Spanish canes, and on the other by a 
chain of rocks stretching far into the sea, and forming 
a most secluded bathing-place. 

I called Ernest in a cheerful tone, that I might show 
him the spot ; and while waiting for him to appear, I cut 
down quickly a number of the canes which grew near 
me, with the hope of making them in some way useful 
by and by. 

As Ernest did not make his appearance, I became 
anxious and went to look for him. What was my sur- 
prise at discovering the youngster lying at full length 
in a shady spot behind our tent, as sound asleep as 
a dormouse; while the two animals I had sent him to 
find were comfortably grazing un watched, and wan- 
dering where they pleased! 

‘‘Up, up! you lazy fellow!” I exclaimed, rousing the 
sleeper: “why, these animals might have crossed the 
bridge, and given us a pretty chase!” 

“Oh, let them alone, papa, for that,” he replied, as 

152 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


lie lazily roused himself. ‘‘I have taken away a few 
planks from the bridge, and it’s not likely such timid 
fellows would venture over it now. ’ ’ 

^^Your idleness has made you ingenious, Ernest,” I 
replied, ^‘‘but it does not please me. To sleep away 
the precious hours of the day, while there is anything 
useful to be done, is not only a disgrace to those who 
have strength to work, but a sin. And now, while I 
take my bath, go and gather the store of salt,” I con- 
tinued, seeing he looked ashamed at my reproof. ‘'I 
will not be long, as I wish you also to have your turn.” 

I found the sea bath most cool and refreshing, and 
hastened as quickly as possible after coming out of 
the water to search for the boy, that he might not lose 
this opportunity. But on reaching the spot where the 
salt was kept, to ascertain how much he had secured 
to take with us, he was nowhere to be seen. I sought 
for him in vain, and began to conjecture that he must 
have gone to sleep again, when I suddenly heard his 
voice exclaiming, 

‘ ‘ Papa, papa, come quick ! A fish, an enormous fish ! 
I can scarcely hold him ! he is tearing away my line ! ’ ’ 

I ran hastily in the direction of the voice, and found 
the boy on the borders of the river, stretched upon the 
grass, and struggling with all his might to retain a fish 
whose etforts threatened to draw him into the water, 
line, rod, and all. 

I quickly rendered him assistance, took the fishing- 
rod from his hand, and lengthened the line to give the 
fish a little freedom; and then gradually drew it into 
shallow water, where it was stranded and unable to 
escape. Ernest immediately stepped into the water, 
and put an end to its struggles with a blow of his 
hatchet. 

I then drew the fish to shore, and found it was a 
magnificent salmon of about fifteen pounds weight, 
which would form a most excellent addition to our 
153 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


store of provision, and very much please the mother. 

‘‘At all events, Ernest,’^ I said, “this time you have 
not been idle, but have worked, not only with your head, 
but with your hands and feet, and indeed, your whole 
body. I congratulate you with all my heart; for you 
have not only acted bravely, hut you have provided us 
with food which will last for several days, and prove 
of great value to us.’’ 

I observed many smaller fish swimming about near, 
having the appearance of herrings or trout : the latter 
I would not interfere with, as I thought it most likely 
they were young salmon. But I determined to clean 
and prepare our booty, and sprinkle it with salt, that 
we might carry it home in good condition. 

While I performed this operation, and harnessed 
the cattle to the sledge, I sent Ernest to have a bath. 
He did not keep me waiting long, and we very soon 
crossed the bridge on the way back to Falcon’s Nest. 

We had scarcely traveled half the distance, and just 
as we reached the high grass, our watchful companion 
Floss rushed forward, barking loudly, and disap- 
peared. 

I followed her quickly, and saw a most singular-look- 
ing animal flying from the dog, or rather escaping from 
her, with most astonishing leaps. 

I seized the moment when Floss sprang aside to raise 
my gun and fire, but so rashly that I failed. Ernest, 
who followed behind me, noticed the cause of my fail- 
ure; for the wonderful leaps of the animal had even 
bewildered the dog, and she appeared to have lost all 
trace of him. But Ernest carefully marked these 
movements, and presently saw the creature stoop and 
hide himself in the long grass. 

Carefully keeping his eye on the spot, he moved 
nearer with silent footsteps, and raising his gun, shot 
the animal dead. 

We hastily ran with great curiosity to the scene of 

154 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


combat, and with wonder and surprise discovered that 
Ernest had killed one of the most singular creatures 
that could be imagined. It was about the size of a 
sheep, had a tail like a tiger, the face and skin of a 
mouse, and ears as large as those of a hare. Its fore 
paws, resembling those of a squirrel, were armed with 
claws, but too short to be of use in walking, especially 
as the hind legs were of a great length, and curiously 
formed. 

We stood for a long time in silence regarding this 
singular creature, while I tried in vain to remember 
whether I had ever seen an animal at all resembling 
it. Ernest approached nearer to examine it closely, 
and broke the silence by exclaiming, 

‘^Oh, papa, what a curious animal! I have never 
in my life shot anything so large. Am I not lucky? 
What will mamma and my brothers say, I wonder ? ’ ^ 

‘Wou have indeed been successful,’^ I replied; ^‘but 
I have still no idea to what species it belongs, or what 
name it bears. We must examine the creature system- 
atically, Ernest; and, first, look at its teeth.” 

The boy examined the mouth. 

‘‘It has four incisor teeth, papa, two upper and two 
under, like a large squirrel,” he replied. 

‘ ‘ Then he belongs to the same species, ’ ’ I exclaimed. 
“Can you remember the names of any of the rodent ani- 
mals, Ernest?” 

“I know a few,” he replied. — “The mouse, the dor- 
mouse, the squirrel, the hare, the beaver, and the jer- 
boa.” 

“The jerboa!” I exclaimed. “You have put me on 
the right track. This creature has a similar form to 
the jerboa, but travelers describe it as much larger; 
and I quite believe that this one belongs to the species 
of animals who have a pouch beneath the breast, in 
which the female carries its little ones while they are 
young. No doubt, therefore, you have shot a female 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


kangaroo. They were not known till the renowned 
Captain Cook discovered them in New Holland.’’ * 

We drew our booty to the sledge, and after placing 
it carefully with the other treasures, continued our 
journey towards Falcon’s Nest. 

‘‘Can you tell me anything about these animals, 
papaT’ asked Ernest, as we walked on slowly. 

“I have read accounts from the hooks written by trav- 
elers,” I replied; “but in a state of nature very little 
is known of their habits, beyond what I have already 
told you.f But by the hind legs, which are three times 
as long as those in front, they are able to take most 
astonishing leaps, not quite so high in proportion to 
their size as the flea or the grasshopper, but equally 
surprising. These animals feed upon grass, and some 
kinds of roots, which they dig up with the fore feet like 
hands, very rapidly. Now and then during this per- 
formance they raise themselves on their hind legs and 
tail, and peep above the tall grass or thick hushes, to 
discover if they are in safety. Should there he any 
appearance of danger, they are able by using the tail, 
which is remarkable for its muscular strength, to spring 
from the ground and mislead their pursuers, as the 
creature you have shot misled and baffled our dog. De- 
prived of its tail, the kangaroo would be a helpless crea- 
ture, and quite unable to defend itself.” 

We arrived at Falcon’s Nest on this occasion at a 
late hour, but received a joyful welcome, especially 
after a glimpse at the contents of the sledge, which my 
wife and the boys proceeded to examine with wonder- 
ing eyes. 

Yet we were equally astonished at the appearance 
presented by the young people who came to meet us. 
One was wrapped in a long blue sailor’s shirt, stepping 

* Now called Australia. 

t These animals can be seen in our time in the Zoological Gardens, 
and full accounts of them appear in modern Natural Histories. 

156 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


every now and then on the hem as he walked ; another 
wore a pair of trousers, the waistband of which reached 
to his shoulders ; the third was tied up in a jacket which 
descended to his knees, and gave him the appearance of 
a walking portmanteau. 

In this strange attire they approached us gravely, 
seeming as proud of their masquerade as a prince on 
the stage. 

I imagined the meaning of this theatrical perform- 
ance, and was informed by their mother that while the 
clothes she had washed were drying, they had been 
obliged to dress themselves in anjdhing they could find 
in the sailor’s locker which I had brought from the 
shore ; and they made so merry over it, that she decided 
to permit them to continue in their masquerade 
dress, that their father and Ernest might join in the 
fun. 

We laughed and admired the performance as much 
as they could desire, and then proceeded to display the 
contents of the sledge before their astonished eyes, — 
the butter and cheese-casks, the canes, salt, salmon, and 
at last, to crown the whole, the dead kangaroo; and I 
felt it due to Ernest to explain his share in procur- 
ing these additions to our store. All his brothers were 
delighted with his prowess, excepting Fritz. I could 
see how much he regretted that the splendid kangaroo 
was his brother’s b^ooty and not his: I saw how he 
struggled against the jealous feeling, and to be master 
of himself ; and in this he succeeded so well, that he was 
able to join in our conversation, and no one but myself 
had remarked it. Yet it was not possible for him to 
avoid casting an envious glance now and then at the 
kangaroo ; and after one or two remarks which I un- 
derstood, he said to me in a coaxing tone, and with a 
smile, 

‘‘You have found many new things to-day, papa; 
but may I go with you on your next journey? There 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


is nothing for me to do here at Falcon’s Nest, and it is 
so tedious.” 

‘ ^ You shall, my dear boy, ’ ’ I replied ; ^ ‘ although what 
pleases us most is not always the best for us. How- 
ever,” I added in a low tone, have noticed your 
struggles against the feeling of envy of your brother, 
and how bravely you have conquered ; therefore I can- 
not refuse your request, and I promise you, that on 
my first expedition, you shall accompany me. I ex- 
pect, however, that it will to-morrow be a voyage to 
the wreck; and as I cannot answer for the discovery of 
game on such an excursion, perhaps you would prefer 
to remain here with your mother and brothers again^ 
as a protection ; but you shall please yourself, although 
you must not allow a love for the chase to get the mas- 
tery over you. To form a manly and decided character, 
it is necessary to have a power over self. Great praise 
is due to Ernest for his presence of mind, when we 
first saw the kangaroo. My shot failed from over- 
haste, his took effect from caution and firmness.” 

We closed this day with our usual occupations. 

After unloading the sledge I distributed salt to the 
animals, which was to them a delicious feast. I fin- 
ished the evening by opening and cleaning the kanga- 
roo ; and after hanging it on a branch of a tree till the 
morning, I gave the refuse to Turk and Floss, who evi- 
dently considered it a delicious supper. 

We then sat down to a famous supper of the fish 
caught by Ernest, and some beautiful baked potatoes. 
Supper was very soon finished, for we were tired out, 
and longing for rest ‘and sleep, which soon gathered 
us in its arms. 


158 


CHAPTER XIV 

A VOYAGE TO THE WKECK — THE RAET 

O N the following morning very early I descended 
from the tree, while the others still slept, as I 
wished to take off the beautiful skin of the kangaroo 
before any other business was commenced. 

It required great care to separate it from the flesh 
without injury, and occupied such a long time, that 
breakfast was ready before I had finished. I suc- 
ceeded, however, wonderfully; and after washing my 
hands, and making other trifling preparations, I joined 
the rest at our roughly-made table on the tree-roots. 

A voyage to the wreck had been decided upon, and 
after giving Fritz orders to prepare everything in 
readiness for the voyage, I called for Ernest and Jack, 
to give them my instructions how to act during the 
absence of Fritz and myself ; but they were not to be 
found. 

Their absence made me very anxious, and I asked the 
mother if she had any idea what had become of them. 

She knew nothing of their movements, but conjec- 
tured that they might be gone to dig up some more 
potatoes, which we again required. I contented my- 
self with this reply, especially when I discovered that 
Turk was missing, and had no doubt followed them as 
their defender ; yet I advised my wife to reprove them 
seriously on their return, for daring to venture alone 
in this strange country. 

Setting aside all other anxiety, Fritz and I said 
farewell to the mother and Frank; and while I left 
159 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Floss as a protector, I reminded her of that Providence 
in whom she trusted, and who would watch over and 
take care of us in our voyage to the wreck this time, 
and bless the means we used to secure our own safety. 

Without delay we hastened forward, and had crossed 
the bridge over Jackal River, when suddenly, to our 
great astonishment, Ernest and Jack, with a shrill joy- 
ous cry, sprang upon us from behind, evidently think- 
ing it a good joke that they had taken their dear father 
and brother by surprise. 

I could not be indignant with these two good-tem- 
pered lads, and spoil the joke by a scolding; but I gave 
them a gentle rebuke, and explained to them how dis- 
pleased I was that they should have left their mother, 
and ventured alone in a country unknown. I refused 
to take them with me as they wished, for their assist- 
ance on the wreck was not required ; but principally I 
was anxious for them to return to Falcon ^s Nest, be- 
cause their absence would make their mother uneasy ; 
and to leave her the whole day alone, or at least with 
only little Frank, was out of the question. 

I was glad of this opportunity, also, to send a mes- 
sage to my wife, which removed a weight from my mind. 
I had foreseen before we started that we should be 
obliged to remain longer than usual on the vessel, for 
the raft I wished to construct would most likely occupy 
the whole day. But in parting I had not had the cour- 
age to speak to my wife of a two days’ absence, because 
she had so many times implored me not to stay longer 
on the wreck than was absolutely necessary. 

This time it did seem to be necessary for us to stay, 
and save as many as possible of the useful articles so 
requisite to us in our present position ; for at any mo- 
ment the wreck might fall to pieces, and the opportu- 
nity be lost. 

I therefore desired them not to delay on their way 
home, excepting to collect a little salt, that their mom- 
160 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

■ ■ i 

ing walk might not be quite lost, and also, to save their 
kind mother from anxiety, by returning without fail 
before noon, and on no account to forget to dehver 
my message. 

After wishing the boys farewell, we entered our little 
boat and steered away from the shore to the current ‘ 
which flowed into Deliverance Bay, and arrived very 
soon without accident at the wreck. 

When we had safely moored our little boat alongside, 
and mounted to the deck of the vessel, my first care was 
to find materials for constructing a raft; for the tub- 
boat was neither large enough nor of sufficient strength 
to carry a heavy load. 

In a very short time we found a number of water- 
casks, as well as planks and beams, on the wreck, which 
appeared quite suitable for our purpose. 

The casks were emptied and tied together in rows 
to form a square, and then, with nails and strong cords, 
we fastened upon them — not without trouble, however 
— several planks, as a flooring to the raft. 

We succeeded at length in constructing a firm and 
solid float, capable of carrying three times as many 
articles as our little boat of tubs, and with far more 
safety. 

Yet, although we had worked most diligently the 
whole day, the afternoon was far advanced before our 
task was completed. We had scarcely even rested from 
work during the few minutes in which we partook of 
the cold provisions we had brought with us, and were 
now too fatigued and exhausted to attempt to return 
to the land. 

I resolved, therefore, to remain on board all night; 
and after taking precautions in case of a storm, we at 
last found time to search for a supper among the 
articles still remaining on the ship. 

The night’s rest in the cabin was altogether delight- 
ful, the elastic mattresses forming a far more pleasant 
161 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


coucli than the hammocks at Falcon’s Nest. And in 
consequence, our agreement to watch in turns and lis- 
ten to the wind and waves for any change, completely 
failed, for we slept soundly till sunrise. 

We arose next morning with thankful hearts, and 
offered our earnest gratitude to God for the merciful 
Providence which had protected us from accident dur- 
ing the night, and at once commenced actively the task 
of loading our boats. 

After plundering the cabins we had ourselves occu- 
pied during the voyage, we took the locks from the 
doors, the bolts from the shutters, and added all these 
to our cargoes. 

The contents of a couple of sea-chests, belonging 
to the ship ’s officers, were to us a great treasure ; but 
still greater were those of the ship’s carpenter and 
the gunsmith. These chests we contrived to place on 
the raft by means of rollers and a lever, after remov- 
ing the heaviest of their contents a few at a time. 

The captain’s trunk was full of all sorts of things, 
some of them so costly that we were quite dazzled. 
There lay gold and silver watches, chains, buckles, 
studs, and a snuff-box ; most probably intended as pres- 
ents, or as stock for a profitable trade which might be 
commenced in a new colony. Besides these, a well- 
lined cash-box full of doubloons and piastres presented 
itself to our eyes, and Fritz had very nearly fallen into 
the error of commencing our plunder with this tempting 
box. 

But I quickly pointed out other objects of greater im- 
portance; for instance, a case of knives and forks, 
which would prove far more useful to us than the cap- 
tain’s gold and silver. 

In addition to this, and equally valuable, were two 
dozen beautiful young European fruit-trees, which 
had been most carefully packed for the voyage. I rec- 
ognized among them the pear, apple, orange, almond, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


peacli, chestnut, and vine, the fruit which in our dear 
native home we had so often enjoyed. 

Presently we discovered a number of iron bars of 
immense strength, then a grindstone, wagon and cart- 
wheels, a complete set of smith’s tools, hatchets and 
shovels, chains, iron and copper wire, a plowshare, a 
hand-mill, and last, but not least, sacks full of maize, 
peas, oats, and other grain ; in a word, a seemingly in- 
exhaustible store of articles evidently destined for the 
support of a European colony to be established in dis-. 
tant lands. 

There were even parts of a saw-mill, which it was 
evident might be fitted together with a little trouble, 
if we had strength enough to lift it. 

And now the question arose, what should we take 
with us of all these valuable things, and what leave be- 
hind? It was impossible to think of removing the 
whole enormous heap which we had collected together, 
and yet I felt sad at heart as I reflected that we must 
leave so many useful things on the shattered wreck, 
which might be destroyed by the waves without a mo- 
ment’s warning. 

I decided at last to choose what appeared the most 
useful, particularly powder and shot, iron, lead, grain, 
the fruit-trees, and several tools, and of these to place 
on the raft and in our tub-boat as much as we could 
possibly carry. But while I was storing away the un- 
necessary articles in a safe place, Fritz came to me and 
asked, as a great favor, that he might bring away the 
captain’s trunk and have one of the gold watches for 
himself. 

To this I could not object, and we hastened to place 
this with the other articles on our boat and raft, and 
prepare for the voyage to the island. 

Among other things we had found a large magnetic 
needle and a mariner’s compass. 

On seeing two harpoons used in whale fishing, with 

163 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


a quantity of strong cordage quite new attached to 
them, Fritz begged me to fasten one of the harpoons 
to the bow of our little boat, that we might be ready in 
case of attack from large fish or even a shark. The 
request appeared so reasonable, that I readily gave my 
consent. 

We were not ready to start with our cargoes till 
noon, for both the crafts were heavily laden, even to 
the water’s edge. The raft was fastened to our tub- 
boat by ropes firmly attached to each corner, and then, 
not without fear of some disaster, we directed our 
course towards the shore. 

The wind lightened our work, filling the sail and 
rendering the task of rowing less fatiguing. The sea 
was calm, and we proceeded for a considerable distance 
without meeting with the least impediment. 

While thus pleasantly approaching the shore, Fritz 
observed in the distance a large and strange-looking 
body floating on the waves, and asked me to examine 
it through the telescope. 

I discovered at once that it was a turtle sleeping on 
the surface of the water very comfortably, and totally 
unconscious of our approach. 

Fritz no sooner heard this than he begged me to 
steer towards it, that he might examine the singular 
creature more closely. It never occurred to me that 
it was something more than curiosity which caused him 
to make the request, and I steered at once straight 
towards the sleeping animal. 

Fritz had his back to me and the outspread sail 
floated between us; I was therefore quite unaware of 
his movements till a violent shock caused the boat to 
turn and thrill, while a noise as of a rope running 
through a reel was followed by a second shock and a 
rapid rushing forward of the boat. 

‘‘In Heaven’s name!” I cried, “what are you about, 
Fritz! Do you mean to run us aground!” 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Caught! caught!’’ cried the youth eagerly. “I 
took him by surprise. Oh ! he must not escape ! ’ ’ 

I saw at once that my hoy had really struck the 
turtle with the harpoon, and that the wounded animal 
was swimming away rapidly, and drawing the boat 
after him; for the harpoon was fastened by a rope to 
the windlass. 

I hastily lowered the sail, and rushed to the fore part 
of the boat, in* order to cut the cord with my hunting- 
knife and set the turtle free. But Fritz implored me 
to wait, assuring me there was no danger. 

“I can cut the rope instantly, if it is necessary,” he 
said ; and at last I gave way, and with earnest injunc- 
tions to him to be careful, I returned to the helm. 

But, drawn by the turtle, we advanced with such fear- 
ful rapidity that I had enough to do in steering to keep 
our craft in a direct line, and so avoid being driven on 
some rock. 

I noticed also that the turtle was endeavoring to 
reach the open sea against the wind, which blew to- 
wards land. I immediately hoisted the sail, and the 
creature, finding the resistance now too strong for him, 
directed his way anew to the coast. By degrees we 
were drawn into the current leading from Deliverance 
Bay to the wreck, and at last reached a soft sloping 
shore, where happily there was no danger of being 
driven against the rocks, and not far from Falcon’s 
Nest. 

At length, with a shock like a shot from a gun, we 
struck the shore, but by good fortune our boat pre- 
served its balance. Without delay, I jumped into the 
shallow water to reward the pilot who had conducted 
us to such a good landing-place. By means of the rope 
I reached the monster, who, with the harpoon in his 
head, was still struggling to escape, and after one or 
two blows from my hatchet he lay without signs of life. 
Fritz uttered a loud and joyful cry of victory, and rais- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing his gun, fired in the air a shot, which so excited the 
surprise and curiosity of our little colony that they all 
came running to the spot. 

Fritz sprang from the boat with the head of the tur- 
tle stuck on the end of his gun, and was received, as 
well as myself, with a thousand congratulations and 
questions without number. 

After a few gentle reproaches from my wife, for 
leaving her and the younger boys for a whole night 
alone, the taking of the turtle was proudly described, 
and we were all thankful to God that this adventure 
had ended happily, without fatal consequences to us 
or our boats. 

I requested my wife to go with the boys and fetch 
from Falcon’s Nest the animals and the sledge, that 
we might place at least a part of our cargo in safety. 

In the meantime the tide, having nearly reached the 
ebb, retreated and left our boat and raft quite on dry 
ground. 

I took advantage of this, as we had no anchor, to 
contrive by some means to moor our little craft safely 
on shore. I rolled to the bow of the boat two immense 
pieces of lead by the help of levers. Found these I 
tied the ends of strong ropes, already attached to the 
boat and the raft, so that they should not float away 
when the tide rose. 

The sledge arrived during this performance, and 
we hastily commenced our landing. The first article 
to be placed upon it was the turtle, which was of an 
enormous size, and weighed at least three hundred- 
weight, for with all our united strength it was as much 
as we could do to place it on the sledge ; and to keep it 
in its place we were obliged to pile up the mattresses 
and other lighter articles round it. 

It became necessary also for us to assist the two ani- 
mals in drawing their heavy load to Falcon’s Nest, and 
for this purpose we each exerted all our strength, some 
166 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


pushing, others pulling; and so we marched in joyous 
procession towards home. 

On arriving, our first care was to unload the turtle, 
and to lay the animal on his hack, as otherwise we 
could not remove the shell, or make use of the delicate 
flesh. My wife doubted the possibility of taking off 
the shell quickly, or, indeed, without a great deal of 
trouble ; I therefore seized a hatchet, and with one blow 
on the breast of the animal I separated a part from the 
shell, and cut off as much of the flesh as would serve for 
our supper. I advised the mother to cook this rich 
food in the piece of shell, and to add only a very little 
salt. 

‘‘But I must first cut away this green fat which is 
attached to the meat,’’ she exclaimed; “it appears to 
be very disgusting.” 

“No, no, my dear!” I cried, “that green fat is the 
best part, and will give a most delicious flavor to our 
dish this evening. But if you think there is too much, 
remove what you think proper, and it can be salted 
down with the flesh that remains. The head, the paws, 
and the entrails we will give to the dogs.” 

“And the shell,” cried Fritz; “could we not make 
it into a water-trough? It would be so pleasant to 
have clean fresh water for our bath, or to wash our 
hands.” 

“That would indeed be useful,” I replied, “if your 
plan could be carried out ; but a trough requires some- 
thing to support it, and for that we should want loam 
or clay to cement our stones.” 

“Oh! I can supply you with clay, then,” exclaimed 
Jack, putting in his word. “There is a splendid heap 
under the roots of our tree.” 

“I am glad to hear such news,” I replied: “where 
did you find it. Jack?” 

“He brought it home this morning from the banks 
of the river,” said his mother, “and was so besmeared 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


with mud and clay, that I was obliged to give him a 
thorough good washing.’’ 

‘‘Ah, yes, mamma, but you know I told you I should 
never have discovered the clay if my foot had not 
slipped while I was walking on the shore, and in I went : 
no wonder my face and hands were in such a dreadful 
condition. ’ ’ 

“When you have decided about the water-trough,” 
said Ernest, “I will show you some roots, papa, that 
I have discovered; they are slightly withered, and I 
was afraid to taste one, although our old sow eats 
them up as if they were delicious. It appears to me 
a sort of radish-root.” 

“Let me look at these roots, Ernest,” I said: “you 
were quite right not to taste one, for there are many 
things suitable for animals which are injurious to hu- 
man beings. How did you discover them!” 

“I was rambling about this morning,” he replied, 
‘ ‘ and I noticed the sow scraping among the shrubs, and 
swallowing something very greedily; so I drove her 
away, and found a number of roots she had dug up, 
and here they are. ’ ’ 

After examining the roots carefully, I exclaimed, 

“If I am not mistaken, my son, you have made a 
valuable discovery, as useful as potatoes, sufficient of 
itself to preserve us from starvation if other things 
fail. I believe this is the manihot or yam, of which 
beautiful cakes, called cassava cakes, are made in the 
East Indies. But it must be carefully prepared, other- 
wise it will not be edible, for it contains a dangerous 
poison. However, you must show me the spot on 
which you found the roots, and if there are any left 
we can try at least to make bread of it ; and I think we 
shall succeed.” 

While talking, we had been still busily engaged in 
unloading the sledge, and that task being now com- 
pleted, I again set off with the three elder boys to 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fetch another load from the boat before supper. The 
mother and Frank remained behind, and I advised 
them to prepare the flesh of the turtle, and cook it in 
the shell, so that when we returned, tired and hungry, 
we should find a royal dish awaiting us, fit for a prince. 

On our way Fritz asked me if snutf -boxes and many 
other beautiful things were not made of the shell of the 
turtle, and if so, would it not be a pity to use it for a 
water-trough. 

I explained to him that the creature we called a turtle 
was in reality a sea-tortoise, and that the beautiful and 
useful shell belonged to the land-tortoise, of which 
neither the eggs nor the flesh were considered suitable 
for food, the latter being looked upon as carrion. 

‘ ‘ Tortoise-shell, ’ ^ I said, ‘ ^ greatly resembles the shell 
of the turtle which you have captured ; but it requires 
a large amount of preparation to give it that bright 
and transparent appearance which we admire in tor- 
toise-shell combs, or other articles for ornament. The 
shell, when removed from the creature, is subjected 
to the heat of fire, which cleanses and purifies it, and 
renders it capable of receiving a very high polish. The 
turtle’s shell does not possess these qualities, and is 
therefore less valuable.” 

On reaching the shore, we hastily loaded the sledge 
with as much as it would carry: the two chests, the 
wagon-wheels, and the hand-mill, which the discovery 
of the manihot rendered doubly important and precious 
to us, — and as many smaller things as we could find 
room for. 

When we returned to Falcon’s Nest in the evening, 
my wife received us with most unusual signs of joy, 
and said, laughing, 

‘‘I suspect you are dreadfully fatigued after two 
such days of hard work ; but never mind, I have some- 
thing here that will quickly cure all that. Come and 
see the refreshing draught which I have discovered, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and exposed to the cool evening air, that you may drink 
it in perfection.’’ 

I followed where she led, and saw a half -buried cask 
covered with branches of trees to keep it cool, and 
wondered what refreshing drink it could contain. 

‘ ^ See ! ’ ’ she cried ; ^ 4t was for this that I visited the 
beach this morning; it has evidently been washed on 
shore from the wreck, and I have taken great care to 
keep it cool, and preserve the freshness. The children 
think it is Canary sack, and I hope they have guessed 
rightly, that you may find it really refreshing.” 

As we had no means of drawing out the wine but 
through the bung-hole, I inserted a hollow cane as an 
experiment, and drew up by suction a refreshing 
draught of the most delicious Canary sack I had ever 
tasted in my life, and thanked my dear wife for her 
care and thoughtfulness in fetching home such a pre- 
cious beverage. 

The boys now eagerly surrounded me and begged to 
be allowed to taste. I permitted them to drink by 
turns, but they soon became so excited and greedy, and 
so anxious for more, that I was obliged to send them 
away, and carefully close the opening of the cask. 

‘‘I am ashamed to see you so greedy,” I exclaimed; 
‘4t is like an animal to long for that which tickles the 
palate, and you forget the danger you incur of becom- 
ing tipsy.” 

By these remarks I restrained the eager boys, and 
obliged them to desist, especially when I pointed out 
the ill breeding their conduct displayed. So ashamed 
were the young people of their greediness, that they 
readily acknowledged their fault, and by attention and 
obedience to their mother and myself for the rest of 
the evening, endeavored to atone for it, and came 
quietly to the supper of turtle which their kind mother 
had prepared for us, and which proved simply deli- 
cious. It was not, therefore, surprising, that when we 
170 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ascended to onr sleeping-rooms in tlie tree, and laid 
onrselves down on the mattresses we had brought from 
the ship we quickly sank into a sweet and refreshing 
sleep. 


CHAPTER XV 

THE WHEELBAKROWS AND THE TURTLE 

A t daybreak next morning I rose, and descended 
the ladder without the least noise, lest I should 
arouse my still sleeping family. I was anxious also 
to visit our vessels on the beach as quickly as possible. 
Beneath the tree, however, I found plenty of life 
and activity. The two watch dogs came springing 
and jumping towards me, and asking, in their own in- 
telligent manner, to be allowed to accompany me; the 
cocks crowed and flapped their wings ; the hen clucked, 
and the goat bounded over the soft grass. The ass 
alone reposed comfortably, and appeared to be enjoy- 
ing his morning dream, without the least inclination 
for the walk which I wished him to take. 

He was quickly aroused, however, and harnessed to 
the sledge alone, for I would not disturb the cow, as 
she had not been milked. I summoned the dogs to 
follow me, and then we took our way to the beach. 
There to my great comfort I found the boat and the 
raft still safe: although the tide during the night had 
risen, yet the pieces of lead and iron bars to which I 
had fastened them had resisted its force, and kept 
them from drifting away. 

Without delay I placed upon the sledge a load which 
I thought our good gray charger could draw without 
difficulty, and with sufficient quickness to enable me to 
return to Falcon’s Nest in time for breakfast. 

The sun was, however, high in the heavens when I 
reached the tree, and I was astonished beyond measure 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to find the whole of my family still sleeping profoundly. 
Not a creature was stirring. 

I made as much clatter and noise as if a besieging 
army was approaching, to arouse the sleepers. My 
wife was the first to appear, and was not a little sur- 
prised to find the day so far advanced. 

^‘Well,’’ she exclaimed, ‘‘there must be a magic 
power in those mattresses to make us sleep like this. I 
have found the greatest difficulty in rousing myself, and 
the poor children are still under the same magic influ- 
ence. ’ ’ 

And in fact, when they were at last aroused, they 
rubbed their eyes, yawned and stretched, and seemed 
more than half inclined to fall asleep again. 

“Up, up!’^ I cried in a still louder voice. “Brave 
boys should wake at the first summons, and spring out 
of bed with life and quickness.’’ 

After this, Fritz was the first to show himself, and 
Ernest the last to creep down the ladder, for he had 
always a strong disinclination to leave his bed. In- 
deed, his mother had already prepared breakfast before 
he made his appearance ; and I talked to him seriously 
on the danger of giving way to the habit of late rising 
in the morning. 

After our usual morning prayers, we enjoyed a hasty 
breakfast; and quickly removing the articles from the 
sledge, we repaired again to the shore, for I was anx- 
ious to have both the boat and the raft unloaded before 
noon, that they might be ready to float as soon as the 
tide served. 

By the time we reached Falcon’s Nest with our last 
load the tide had risen, and I hastily took leave of my 
wife and the three younger boys, intending only to take 
Fritz; but Jack seemed so anxious to accompany us, 
that I at length gave him permission, to his great de- 
light. 

As soon as the tide was high enough to float the ves- 

173 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sels I steered at once to Deliverance Bay, for the beau- 
tiful weather and the calm sea tempted me to venture 
on another voyage to the wreck. At first this proved a 
difficult task; yet, in spite of the wind, which blew 
freshly from the sea, and the tide being against us, we 
attained our object, and reached the current, which 
carried us quickly to the ship. 

By this time, however, it was too late to carry away 
anything of importance, so I merely collected together 
what could be packed quickly and without much trou- 
ble. Jack, who ran here and there, making a tremen- 
dous clatter, had already added small yet useful articles 
to our store, and presently came up, in a tumult of de- 
light, to show us a wheelbarrow which he had found. 
But while he was exulting in its usefulness as a con- 
veyance to carry the potatoes he had dug up to Fal- 
con ^s Nest, Fritz came to tell us that he had discov- 
ered something far more useful than a wheelbarrow 
— the ship’s pinnace.* 

I accompanied him to the spot, and found the pin- 
nace packed carefully in the center of an enclosure, 
every part complete, although separated, and even sup- 
plied with two small cannon. 

In the midst of my joy at this discovery I saw clearly, 
however, that to raise the boat from its present posi- 
tion, and to get it properly fitted together and launched 
on the sea, would not only be a work of time, but re- 
quire a large amount of strength, exertion, and skill. 

This, however, was not the time to commence such 
an undertaking ; so I overlooked the boys as they loaded 
the raft, and advised them to choose the most useful 
articles. Among others a copper kettle, a grindstone, 
two large iron plates, a powder-cask, a box of flint 
stones, which were most welcome to me, several tobac- 
co-graters, and two more wheelbarrows besides Jack’s, 
which he was not likely to forget. We had scarcely 

* A kind of little ship with a four-cornered stern sail. 

174 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


time to take a slight refreshment before we again set 
sail, for I was anxious to avoid being met by a wind 
from the land, which generally rose after sunset. 

As we neared the shore we observed with astonish- 
ment a group of figures standing in a long row, and 
regarding us with great curiosity. They might have 
been taken for little people wearing white waistcoats, 
with arms hanging down at their sides, which from 
time to time they raised softly, as if they wished to 
welcome us with a brotherly embrace. 

‘‘Well!’’ I exclaimed, laughing, “are we in a coun- 
try inhabited by pigmies, who have hastened here to re- 
ceive us!” 

“No, papa!” cried Jack. “I believe they are Lilli- 
putians, though rather larger, however, than those I 
have read of.” 

But as we approached nearer my knowledge of nat- 
ural history came to my aid. 

‘ ‘ They are birds called penguins, ’ ’ I exclaimed. ‘ ‘ I 
can distinguish them more plainly now. They are as 
easily caught as the boobies which Ernest drove from 
the body of the dead shark. Although excellent swim- 
mers, they are helpless on land, for they can neither 
fly nor run from danger. In fact, these birds are easy 
prey for the sportsman.” 

While I thus spoke we were cautiously approaching 
the land, that we might still longer enjoy this singular 
spectacle; but no sooner had the boat reached a spot 
where the water was shallow, than Jack sprang out of 
his tub and waded to the shore. Before the penguins 
had noticed him he was amongst them, and in a very 
few moments had knocked down five or six of the birds. 
Those that remained evidently considered this a very 
unkind greeting, for they hastily plunged into the 
water, swimming and diving so quickly, that they soon 
vanished from our eyes. 

Fritz grumbled bitterly at Jack for frightening the 

175 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


birds and preventing him from having a shot at them, 
but I laughingly told him that while he was considering 
when and how he should use his gun, Jack had settled 
the matter with a stick. At the same time I endeavored 
to check in the thoughtless boys the disposition to de- 
stroy God^s creatures unless they were absolutely 
needed for food. I explained to them also that the 
flesh of the penguin had an oily, fishy taste, which to 
some persons was very disagreeable. 

I then examined the prey, and found two birds dead, 
but the rest only stunned; indeed, they had to a great 
degree recovered themselves, and were very gravely 
attempting to waddle away. We, however, seized them 
quickly, and, after tying their legs together, left them 
on the shore with the two dead birds, where they were 
obliged to wait till we had discharged our cargo. 

The approaching sunset, however, made it impossi- 
ble for us to do much. We contented ourselves with 
filling each a wheelbarrow as full as possible, so that 
at least we might carry something to Falcon’s Nest. 
We did not forget to take with us also the dead and 
living penguins ; and at last set out on our way, each 
driving a loaded wheelbarrow, for we had found three 
on board. 

When the singular procession reached Falcon’s Nest 
we were welcomed by our watchful bodyguard with far- 
resounding barks ; but as soon as they discovered that 
the wheels they had heard belonged to friends, they 
displayed their joy by springing and bounding upon 
us in an ecstasy of delight; rather too much, indeed, 
for Jack, who had the greatest difficulty in prevent- 
ing the dogs from upsetting his barrow with their 
gambols. Only by dealing blows right and left with his 
little fists, which they scarcely felt, could he at last rid 
himself of their politeness, while his angry efforts made 
his mother as well as Ernest and little Frank, laugh 
heartily. 


176 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


My wife was, however, delighted with our harrows 
and their contents, excepting that she looked rather 
doubtfully at the iron plates and the tobacco-graters. 
We lost no time in setting free the living penguins, hut 
I tied them by the leg to a tree among our ducks and 
geese, in the hope that by association with these com- 
panions they would become tame, and by degrees recon- 
ciled to their new abode. 

My wife pointed out to me a splendid store of pota- 
toes, which she and the two boys had collected during 
our absence, and also a large number of roots similar 
to those which Ernest had discovered on the day pre- 
vious, which I recognized as manioc or tapioca — at 
least, tapioca is prepared from this root — and of course 
I warmly praised their industry. 

‘‘Ah, yes, papa,^’ said little Frank; “but what would 
you say to our field of Indian corn, and pumpkins, and 
melons?’’ 

“Oh, you chatterbox!” exclaimed his mother; “you 
have spoilt it all, and deprived me of a great pleasure. 
I did not wish your father to know of this till the plants 
were above the ground. It would have been delightful 
to see his surprise when the green stalks appeared.” 

“I am sorry, dear mamma,” I replied; “but the sur- 
prise has only occurred a little sooner, and I am equally 
pleased at the experiment. Where did you procure 
seeds for such a purpose?” 

“From the magic bag,” she replied, with a smile; 
‘ ‘ and I sowed them in the soil after we had removed the 
potatoes, without disturbing the small ones. I hope, 
therefore, we shall have a splendid harvest when it all 
grows up.” 

“You have done well, dear wife,” I said, “and I hope 
your plan will be successful.” ^ 

The tobacco-graters were lying on the ground near 
us, and my wife, pointing to them, inquired, 

“What use are those tobacco-raspers, dear husband? 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I hope you do not intend us to take snuff or to smoke 1 ^ 

‘‘Truly not/’ I replied, laughing. “The thought of 
introducing such dirty and unpleasant habits never 
entered my mind. I have brought those graters for a 
very different object. A little new bread will be a 
great treat to us, and to obtain it these tobacco-raspers 
are indispensable. I hope, therefore, you will no 
longer look upon them with such disdainful eyes. ’ ’ 

“Well!” she exclaimed, “what tobacco-graters have 
to do with new bread I cannot imagine. Besides, where 
is the baking oven, even if you had flour!” 

“These iron plates will supply the place of an oven,” 
I replied : “flat cakes can be baked upon them, although 
perhaps not loaves. And as for flour, that can be ob- 
tained from the cassava-roots discovered by Ernest. 
If you will make a small strong bag of sail-cloth, we 
will try an experiment with our new pastry before we 
sleep to-night.” 

My wife readily agreed to get the bag ready, but I 
could see that she doubted my judgment, for she filled 
the newly-arrived copper kettle with potatoes, which 
she placed on the fire, to be ready for our supper in case 
the bread-baking should be a failure. 

In the meantime I took a large piece of sail-cloth, and 
spread it on the ground; and then, assembling my 
young folks, commenced at once without delay to in- 
struct them in the art of making bread from the cas- 
sava-root. In the hands of each I placed one of the 
tobacco-graters and a root, which, as well as the grater, 
had been carefully cleaned and washed by their mother. 
At my command each began to scrape the root he held 
in his hand over the sail-cloth, and in a very short time 
it was covered with what resembled moist sawdust, and 
had not a very tempting appearance. The boys worked 
readily and pleasantly, yet constantly making jokes 
about bread being made from radishes, and calling it 
famous fun. 


178 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


^‘The cassava-root is not to be despised,’’ I said. 
‘‘In America it forms the chief food of the natives, 
who know very little of bread made from European 
corn.* There is more than one species of cassava. 
One sort grows and ripens quickly, another is not so 
rapid in growth, and the third takes two years to come 
to perfection. The first two are poisonous if eaten 
raw; yet these are preferred, not only on account of 
the fruit they bear, which ripens quicMy, but because 
when the scrapings from the roots have been pressed 
the finest flour is produced. ’ ’ 

“Why must it be pressed!” asked Ernest. 

“To remove the sap or juice, which alone contains 
the hurtful qualities. The dry pith is most whole- 
some, and extremely nutritious. At all events, we will 
be very cautious with our first attempt, and not ven- 
ture to eat a morsel till the ape and the chickens have 
tasted it; and if they receive no harm, we may eat 
the cakes in safety.” 

This arrangement was readily agreed to by all ; and 
when we had scraped a sufficient quantity of the cas- 
sava-root, I filled the bag which my wife had made 
with the scrapings, and tied the mouth of it tightly 
together, so that when pressed the poisonous sap 
might flow out between the threads of the cloth. 

To obtain the means of pressing, I had already 
fixed upon, as a substitute for a pressing machine, a 
contrivance in which the boys were greatly interested. 
I laid two or three smooth planks on one of the roots 
of the fig-tree which held our aerial castle, and placing 
the bag of flour upon them, covered it with another 
plank. Across this plank I laid one of our levers, 
with one end under the arched root, and heaping up 
on the other end lead, iron bars, and stones, with every 
heavy article I could find. By this means the bag was 

* America was not so well known to Europeans when this story was 
written, in 1813, as it is now. 

179 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


subjected to a strong pressure, and very soon the sap 
was seen flowing to the ground beneath. 

Presently my wife remarked, ‘‘If we have to press 
and scrape the roots every time we make our bread, 
we shall be employed the whole day in baking.’^ 

“Not so,’’ I replied: “when the cassava-flour is 
once dry, it can be placed in a cask, and will keep 
good for years. It is only necessary to be careful not 
to take from it more at a time than we require for 
baking, so that there may be always some left to fall 
back upon in case of need.” 

“Papa,” exclaimed Fritz, “I think we could com- 
mence bread-making at once ; not a drop of sap is fall- 
ing from the bag now.” 

“I am quite willing,” I replied; “but before we at- 
tempt to make bread for ourselves, a cake must be 
baked for the chickens and the ape; and if they eat it 
willingly, and without harm to themselves, we can very 
safely follow their example.” 

The bag was opened and the meal spread out to dry. 
I then moistened a small quantity with water, and 
made a small cake. The remainder I stirred up and 
shook, that it might be again placed under the press. 
This cake was then laid on one of the iron plates over 
a clear fire, made as usual between large stones on the 
earth; and as soon as the under side was brown, it was 
turned, and when sufficiently baked, taken out to cool. 

Meanwhile the boys attracted a few of the fowls and 
the ape to the spot; but the cake exhaled such a deli- 
cious odor that they looked with envy at the piece I 
gave to the ape, and I believe, had I not firmly op- 
posed their longing, they would also have helped them- 
selves to a portion. 

“If this is the poisonous root, will it stupefy the ani- 
mals or cause them pain?” asked Fritz. 

“There are two chief qualities of poison in these 
plants which occasion death,” I replied. “One, which 
180 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


is painful in the extreme, produces effects like those of 
arsenic and sublimate; the other stupefying the sensi- 
bilities of the nerves, or creating unnatural excitement 
similar to the effects of opium or the poisonous fungus 
sometimes mistaken for mushrooms. Taken in small 
quantities, these poisons injure the health with linger- 
ing disorders, which shatter the constitution and even- 
tually end in death. They are therefore described as 
slow poisons. 

^‘The quick and almost sudden poisons require oily 
or fat remedies, such as oil, buttermilk, barley-water, 
and the like, to deaden the pain. The stupefying poi- 
sons, on the contrary, require emetics or bitters to 
relieve the stomach, and rouse the nerves from their 
insensibility or irritation, and thus remove the effects 
of the poison by a ‘ counter-irritant. ’ ’ ’ 

I noticed with satisfaction that while we talked the 
fowls were eagerly eating up the crumbs, and Master 
Nip devouring his piece of the cake with great rapidity. 

‘‘What do they call this bread in America, papa?” 
asked Fritz, presently. 

“In the Antilles, where the root is chiefly found, they 
call it cassava bread, ’ ’ I replied. ‘ ‘ But see, my dear, ’ ’ 
I continued, addressing my wife, “the animals have 
eaten it all, and we must begin our baking performances 
early to-morrow morning, if we find that our cassava 
tasters are not the worse for what they have eaten.” 

“And if they are all right, papa,” said Ernest, “it 
will prove that my roots are not of the poisonous spe- 
cies.” 

“Yes, my boy,” I replied; “but I must still warn you 
that there are many similar roots which are not only 
poisonous in themselves, but also bear poisonous fruits 
and flowers, and even leaves, which are sometimes use- 
ful as medicine when prepared by chemists or doctors, 
but are certain death if eaten from the plant. I hope, 
therefore, you will be careful, as I have told you be- 
181 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


fore, and never attempt to eat anything you find, how- 
ever tempting it appears, till you have shown it to me. 
And now we have said so much about poisonous ob- 
jects we will turn to something more agreeable. We 
can have confidence in the wholesome food which the 
good mother has prepared for us. Boasted penguin 
and potatoes will do us no harm.’^ 

We readily seated ourselves on the benches and at 
the table which I had constructed with planks on the 
fig-tree roots, to partake of supper. We found the 
potatoes excellent; and although the flesh of the pen- 
guin was fishy in taste and rather tough, it was not so 
bad after all. And we could once more thank God for 
His benefits as we retired, with appeased appetites, 
to the longed-for rest in our castle on the tree. 


182 


CHAPTEE XVI 

THE PINNACE AND THE PETAED 

T he following morning our first care was to visit 
the fowls and the monkey, to ascertain if they 
were injured by the cassava cakes; but they were all 
as lively as ever; we therefore set to work eagerly to 
bake for ourselves. 

While pressing the flour, a large fire was lighted, and 
that there should be no waste of fuel, a large sauce- 
pan full of potatoes was placed upon it to boil, till the 
embers became clear enough for baking. 

By this time the cakes were ready to place upon the 
iron plates. They were in the form of a semicircle, 
so that I could easily grasp them, and the boys, who 
enjoyed the fun, made some little cakes for themselves, 
which they mixed in cocoanut-shells. Of course some 
of these were slightly burnt, and others not half baked ; 
but that was a trifling matter, for the fowls, the pig- 
eons, and the dogs would eat them with as much relish 
as if they were perfection. 

Even the boys themselves could scarcely refrain 
from breaking off pieces of the cakes before they were 
thoroughly baked, and popping them into their mouths ; 
for the smell, so like that of newly-baked bread, was 
too tempting to be resisted. 

In goo^d time, however, the loaves were finished, and 
we had a large store of bread in our possession, to our 
great satisfaction. The boys were so proud of their 
performances, that each ate his own cakes for break- 
fast; and certainly, with butter, I could almost fancy 
I was eating hot rolls in our own dear country. A 
183 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


large bowl of new milk added to our meal, made it a 
repast fit for a king. 

As I scattered the crumbs of this costly feast among 
our feathered folk, I was surprised to observe that the 
penguin, which we had made a prisoner, and tied to a 
tree near the ducks and geese, seemed quite at home, 
and followed their example in picking up the crumbs 
without the least shyness. I decided, therefore, to 
release him from confinement, and give him his liberty, 
to his great satisfaction. 

This success in bread-making, however, did not re- 
move my strong desire to pay another visit to the wreck 
with the boys, and by our united efforts endeavor to 
manage the pinnace which we had discovered on the 
previous day. 

The good mother at first was not to be convinced 
that anything could make it necessary for me to venture 
again on the treacherous sea, especially as I wished to 
take all the boys excepting little Frank. After much 
explanation and coaxing, she at length unwillingly con- 
sented, and then only on condition that I would give 
my word to return the same evening, and on no account 
remain another night on the wreck. 

I reluctantly gave the promise she required, but her 
fears made me uneasy, and I left her and Frank alone 
at last with many sighs and a heavy heart. 

The boys were delighted as usual at the prospect 
of anything new. Ernest, especially, laughed joyously 
at the thought that he was to accompany me with his 
brothers once more. We packed up a good store of 
provisions, including cassava cakes and potatoes, and 
buckled on our cork belts. Our way led us to Deliver- 
ance Bay, at which we arrived without adventure, and 
after feeding the ducks and geese there, entered the 
tub-boat, and with the raft in tow, proceeded on our 
way. 

Immediately on arriving at the wreck, I advised the 

184 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


boys to load the raft and the boat with the first things 
that came to hand, so that at least we might not return 
empty to Falcon ^s Nest, and then I hastened to have 
one more look at the pinnace. 

Two points presented themselves of overpowering 
difficulty. One was, that each part of the little vessel 
had to be fitted together correctly. The enclosed place 
in which this vessel lay was behind the officers ’ cabins, 
and also quite on the opposite side of the wreck to 
that at which we usually anchored our boat. There 
appeared, indeed, not half enough room for us in the 
space occupied by the pinnace to fit the various parts 
together, or to release it from the stocks on which it 
stood. Even if we succeeded in the former undertak- 
ing, it would be quite impossible for us to move it with 
every effort of our united strength. I contrived, how- 
ever, to creep within the enclosure ; and, by the means 
of the feeble light from two narrow slits in the wooden 
partition, I discovered to my great satisfaction that 
each piece of the vessel was carefully laid in its proper 
place and, above all, numbered, and could therefore be 
matched together with ease and correctness. Also 
I had boldness enough to venture on an experiment 
which would give us more room to launch the vessel 
when finished. 

While the boys were running here and there to find 
articles for our lading, I stood considering what plan 
I should adopt, but for some time without any result. 

At length my resolution was taken, and without delay 
I proceeded to work out the necessary preparations. 
So many difficulties, however, still presented them- 
selves, that it is more than probable I should not have 
attempted the undertaking at all but for the strong 
desire I felt to have in my possession such a beautiful 
little vessel, a thousand times safer and more con- 
venient than our tub-boat. At all events, I was con- 
vinced that, with patience and perseverance, we should 
185 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


be quite able to reconstruct the pinnace. And would 
it not be a joyful success to rebuild such a ship, and 
have in our possession a vessel so firm, and yet so light 
and easy to steer? Yes, with the help of my boys I 
would put the parts together, and hope that some means 
for launching it on the water would be suggested to 
me. 

The evening arrived before anything could be done 
to the pinnace, and we therefore without delay pre- 
pared to return home with our load. What was our 
surprise and pleasure on reaching Deliverance Bay to 
see the mother and little Frank on the shore waiting 
to receive us. 

‘‘We are going to remain at Zeltheim,^’ said my 
wife, “till you have cleared the wreck and finished all 
your business on board. It will be a shorter voyage 
for you, and we shall be constantly opposite and within 
sight of each other. ’ ’ 

I could scarcely thank my brave wife sufficiently for 
this precaution, more especially as I knew how little 
she liked residing at Zeltheim; and I was glad to be 
able to reward her self-denial by placing before her 
eyes the articles we had brought with us — two casks of 
butter, three of flour, a case of corn and rice, with a 
number of useful articles, to be placed in our store- 
house, which were to her of the greatest value. 

Our voyages to the wreck till the pinnace was com- 
pleted occupied a week. We started early every morn- 
ing regularly, and returned home in the evening, heav- 
ily laden from the wreck, to my wife’s great satisfac- 
tion. Indeed, now that we were comparatively near to 
each other, she let us depart without the least anx- 
iety. 

During our absence she and little Frank visited Fal- 
con’s Nest almost daily, to look after the poultry and 
give them plenty of provender as well as to fetch away 
potatoes from the field close by. When we met to- 
186 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


gether in the evening, we had plenty to talk about while 
we enjoyed the delicious suppers which the mother had 
provided for us from her stores. 

All this time we had been earnestly employed in re- 
constructing the pinnace, which was at last ready to 
be navigated and set free from her prison. Her ap- 
pearance was neat and elegant. She had a tiller at 
her prow and a small quarter-deck, on which to raise a 
mast and a sail like a cutter, and we could already fore- 
see that she would be a good sailer, and, being of a 
light build, would not draw much water. We had care- 
fully caulked all the joints and openings, and then cov- 
ered them with pitch or ship’s tar. On the quarter- 
deck we placed the two little cannons, and secured them 
with chains in the usual manner on board ship. 

And, after all, there sat the beautiful thing, immov- 
able in its prison; and yet it seemed as if impatient 
and longing to dart into the sea, and to carry its masts 
and spread its sails on the bosom of the ocean. As I 
contemplated our work, I felt it impossible that all our 
industry and efforts should come to nought. And yet, 
before we could set the pinnace free, a storm might 
arise and destroy it with the wreck. The thought of 
such a disaster rendered me impatient ; and I at length 
determined upon a plan which was certainly a great 
risk, but no other way lay open to me, for to cut through 
the planks which enclosed the vessel, or to make an 
opening in the ship’s side, was out of the question. 
But I said nothing to the boys of my intention. 

I found in the steward’s room an iron mortar, such 
as are sometimes used for cooking, and fastened it 
upon a thick oaken board with hooks. Then with a 
chisel I cut a groove in the board. In this groove I 
laid a train of gunpowder, of such a length that it would 
take more than an hour to reach the mortar when 
lighted at the end by a match. I filled the mortar with 
powder, again fastened the plank upon it, caulked every 
187 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


crevice with tar, and bound the whole together with 
chains. 

I found myself at last in possession of a kind of 
petard, which I considered the most likely means of 
producing the elf ect I wished. This terrible instrument 
I suspended in the enclosure occupied by the pinnace, 
on the side from which I calculated as carefully as pos- 
sible that the recoil of the explosion would not injure 
our little craft. Giving the boys the order to go on 
board our little tub-boat quickly, I returned, lighted 
the fusee, and then, hastily embarking myself, steered 
away speedily from the wreck. 

As soon as we were at a safe distance, I drew the 
ropes which bound the raft to the boat more tightly, 
that the sudden concussion might not capsize it, if the 
explosion took place before we reached the shore. For- 
tunately, however, we had arrived at Zeltheim, and 
were unloading the raft, when a sudden and frightful 
noise on the sea, like the roar of cannon, so alarmed 
my wife and the boys that they screamed in terror, and 
turned to run away. My voice recalled them, but they 
still kept at a distance, until my wife came towards me 
and said, 

“The sound came from the sea! and look at the 
smoke ! Oh, dear husband, I hope you have been care- 
ful not to leave fire near the powder!’’ 

i i Tiiere is nothing of that sort to fear, ’ ’ I said, with 
a smile that surprised her while it gave her confidence ; 
“but I think the explosion has something to do with 
the pinnace. Boys, I must go back and see what has 
happened : who will go with me ? ’ ’ 

Without a word the boys sprang into the boat, while 
I remained for a few moments on the beach, to explain 
to my wife and calm her fears. 

We arrived at the wreck in a very short time, for 
curiosity made the boys row quickly, and at the first 
glance I saw with satisfaction that the form and po- 
188 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sition of the vessel remained unchanged, and that no 
suspicious-looking smoke indicated fire. With a light 
heart I steered round the wreck to the other side, and 
there discovered the destruction caused by my petard. 
A large portion of the ship’s side had been shattered, 
and the fragments floated on the water ; while through 
the welcome opening which yawned upon us, we could 
see the pinnace standing unhurt, although leaning a 
little on one side. I uttered a loud hurrah, which as- 
tonished the boys, for the destruction and desolation 
around had saddened them. 

‘^It is won!” cried I: ‘‘the beautiful pinnace is ours 
now! It will be easy to launch it on the sea if it is 
uninjured. Let us go and examine it. ” 

We climbed through the opening, and found to our 
great delight that the pinnace was unhurt, and not a 
trace of fire or flame could he discovered upon it. 

The recoil of the mortar had, however, blown a piece 
of the chain deep into the opposite partition wall, 
where it stuck fast. After this inspection, I explained 
to my boys the means I had used, and gave them a 
hasty description of the wonderful power of the petard. 

I after this examined the position of the boat more 
carefully, and found that it would he easy with the aid 
of a pulley and lever to push the pinnace on the water. 
Fortunately, while reconstructing the little ship, I had 
taken the precaution to place rollers under the keel, 
which would render our task easier. I did not forget, 
however, to attach a long rope to the inner end, to 
prevent it from going out of our reach when once in 
the water. 

When all was ready, we threw our united strength 
into the performance, and at last, though not without 
some difficulty, we saw her glide slowly down into the 
sea, and ride gracefully on the undulating waters, yet 
held in check by the rope which moored her alongside 
the wreck. 


189 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Leaving her safely in this position, we returned to 
Zeltheim to relate our conquest to the mother ; but the 
warlike spirit of the boys was awakened by the pros- 
pect. A little ship completely rigged, and with two 
cannons on board, seemed unconquerable, and fit to 
resist a whole fleet of savages. Indeed, they almost 
wished that an attack might come, that they might ex- 
hibit their prowess; but I reminded them they ought 
to thank God that He had not obliged them to prove 
their new-born courage and valor by bloodshed and 
fighting. 

Our stately bark, however, could not be completely 
rigged and freighted without two days of hard work. 
We still kept it on the side of the wreck farthest from 
the shore, for we wished to surprise the mother and 
little Frank with its wonderful appearance, and there- 
fore they were not to see it till it was complete. And 
our movements on that side could not be clearly seen, 
even through a telescope, from the shore. 

When at last all was in readiness, it was impossible 
to refuse the request of my boys, and, as a reward for 
their efforts, allow them to give their mother a majestic 
salute from our two guns, to embellish the surprise 
which awaited her. 

At once and speedily the guns were loaded, Fritz as- 
suming the position of captain near the mainmast; his 
brothers placed themselves by the guns, each holding a 
match, which they were eager to light ; while I hastened 
to spread the sail and adjust the rigging in readiness 
for our voyage. At last I seated myself at the helm, 
and, with joyful huzzas, we unmoored the little vessel 
and turned towards home. 

The wind was favorable, and blew fresh towards 
the shore. The pinnace skimmed the transparent wa- 
ter like a bird, and so swiftly, that I had some anxiety 
respecting the fate of our tub-boat, which we had taken 
in tow. 


190 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We reached Deliverance Bay, however, without ac- 
cident ; and as we came in sight of Zeltheim I lowered 
the largest sail of our new vessel, that I might be able 
to manage her with less difficulty, and then I gave per- 
mission to the boys to carry out the grand business of 
the salute. 

Ernest and Jack lighted their matches and stood 

their guns. ‘ ‘ No. 1, fire ! No. 2, fire ! ^ ’ cried Fritz ; 
and as the rocks reechoed the sound, he added to it by 
firing two pistol-shots in the air and leading his broth- 
ers in a succession of joyful hurrahs. 

As the boat touched the shore, my wife, amidst all 
her wondering astonishment, was able to nod to me a 
friendly welcome, but she held little Frank close to 
her as he stood, with wide-open eyes and quivering lip, 
not knowing whether to laugh for joy or cry in fear. 

As soon as we could find a convenient spot on which 
to land, I sprang on shore ; and my wife, advancing to 
meet me, exclaimed, breathlessly, 

‘‘Oh, you dear dreadful people! what a mixture of 
joy and fright you have made for us I When I saw the 
beautiful little ship advancing, I could not imagine 
where it came from; and the sound of the cannons so 
darmed me, that had I not recognized your voice, we 
should have-fled Heaven knows how far. But it is all 
Dver now, and I must forgive the fright while I ad- 
^nire the beautiful boat you have brought. It is most 
elegant, and I shall not be afraid myself to accompany 
you on the sea sometimes in such a perfect vessel as 
that.’^ 

“Come on board now, mammal’^ exclaimed Fritz, 
“and we can show you how comfortable and complete 
the vessel is.’^ 

My wife and Frank stepped on the little deck of the 
vessel. The boy was as much delighted as his mother, 
who, after examining it and listening to the descrip- 
tion of our exertions in fitting the parts together and 
191 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


launching it, could not sufficiently praise our industry 
and perseverance. 

^‘But do not suppose Frank and I have been idle 
during your absence,’’ she continued. ‘‘No, indeed; 
we have been very busy the whole time ; and although 
we cannot receive you with a salute of cannon, we have 
found the means of providing dishes for the table. 
Come with me now, and I will show you the result of 
our work.” 

We all landed quickly, after mooring the boat in 
safety, and followed the mother curiously to a place 
near which the Jackal stream falls in a tiny cascade 
over the rocks; and beneath their shelter, in an open 
space of ground, we saw, with astonishment, a complete 
kitchen garden, considerably advanced in growth, and 
divided into compartments by paths in all directions. 

“This is my work and Frank’s ! ’ ’ exclaimed my wife, 
“We found the earth soft enough for us to dig and 
prepare.” 

“Here,” she continued, pointing to the nearest bed, 

“I have planted potatoes; yonder are fresh cassava- 
roots ; on the other side I have sown lettuce and salad- 
seeds, and near them I have left a space for you to 
plant reeds and bamboo canes.” 

Leading us farther on, she continued, pointing to 
another division: “This will be our fruit garden. The 
earth is ready to receive cuttings from the young 
trees at Falcon’s Nest; and farther on I have sown ^ 
a quantity of each sort of the grain you brought from 
the vessel; and above, in a shelf of the rock, I have 
planted roots of the anana, because their clinging ten- { 
drils will form a shade for the young' shoots from the \ 
heat of the sun. Water for the nourishment of my gar- \ 
den,” she added, “can be easily brought from the i 
neighboring waterfall; so there is no doubt that the 4: 
plants will grow and thrive wonderfully. ’ ’ 4 

“You have performed wonders, dear wife!” I ex- 

192 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


claimed, after we had examined the fruitful spot care- 
fully ; and then, as the sunset was approaching, I and 
the boys returned to the shore, to make the pinnace 
and the other craft safe for the night, while the mother 
prepared dinner for us ; indeed, we were all very tired 
and hungry. 

During dinner I bade the boys observe the wise or- 
dering of Nature — that those who work and are indus- 
trious, are sure to obtain a recompense in the benefits 
she confers ; and also how much happier those are who 
make efforts to help others than they who act only for 
their own advantage. 

During the week of our daily visit to the ship my 
wife had more than once visited Falcon’s Nest, and 
while at dinner she remarked, 

^‘You have been so occupied with the wreck, dear 
husband, that the young fruit-trees at Falconhurst are, 
I fear, quite forgotten by you. The air appears to 
have dried them very much, and had J not sprinkled 
them now and then with water, and protected them 
from the heat by branches of trees, they would by this 
time have been perfectly useless. I should have 
planted them in the cool earth long ago, and attended 
to them more carefully, had not my time been so taken 
up with the kitchen garden.” 

‘‘You have done all you could under the circum- 
stances, dear wife,” I replied; “and if you now request 
me not to visit the wreck, I shall be quite willing to 
place myself under your orders at Falconhurst. But 
first we must unload our vessels, and place everything 
as usual in safety. ’ ’ 

My wishes were soon accomplished, and the articles 
which remained, after adding to our store, were care- 
fully arranged, and covered with a piece of sail-cloth 
fastened to the ground with pegs as firmly as possible. 

The pinnace was also moored by a rope from the bow 
to a strong post on shore. 

193 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We then loaded ourselves as well as the animals 
with as much as we could carry of the articles we 
considered the most useful, and took the road to Fal- 
con’s Nest. 


CHAPTEK XVII 

THE WALK TO THE CALABASH WOOD 

D uring our residence at Zeltheim, while daily vis- 
iting the wreck, the second Sunday of our stay in 
the island had occurred, and had been celebrated and 
honored with much earnest devotion. 

The day after our return to Falcon ^s Nest, as de- 
scribed in our last chapter, was again the day of rest, 
and was religiously observed by us with prayer and 
praise. My wife had found, to my great joy, a Bible 
in one of the seamen’s chests. After, therefore, sing- 
ing a hymn, I read a chapter from the Gospels which 
I knew my children would be able to understand, and 
then related to them another but more simple allegory, 
entitled 


THE TKAVELEk’s TALISMAN. 

A man and his wife were once traveling through the 
Arabian Desert with a caravan, when by some acci- 
dent they were separated from the rest of the company 
and left alone, with but very little food or water. They 
knew that although not far from the city to which 
they were traveling, they were constantly in fear of 
their strength failing before they could reach it. Dur- 
ing the day the position of the sun showed them what 
direction to take, either east or west; and the stars 
by night, when his rays, which beat down upon them 
with great fierceness, were removed. 

It was useless, and would have been dangerous, to 
hasten their steps in the hope of overtaking the cara- 
van, and yet they were in terror by night of being at- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


tacked by wild beasts, or of fainting by day and becom- 
ing the prey of vultures. For two days and nights 
they walked without meeting with a drop of water or 
a single green spot on which trees grew to otfer them 
a shade by the way. 

On the third morning their supply of provisions and 
water was quite exhausted, and the worn-out travelers 
sank down on the burning sand and gave themselves 
up for lost. 

The wife, who seemed more hopeful than her hus- 
band, tried to cheer him with the possibility that an- 
other company of travelers might be on their way, and 
arrive in time to save them from' death. She proposed 
also to go in search of water; but he would not allow 
her to leave him, and at length from fatigue and ex- 
haustion he sank into a deep sleep. 

The woman sat near him on the ground, longing to 
go in search of water, yet fearing to leave her husband 
alone. She was not so easily daunted by difficulties 
as he, and, in spite of her fatigue, would have gladly 
exerted her last strength in an effort to reach some 
rocks which she fancied were visible in the distance, 
in the hope that amongst them might be found a spring 
of water. 

‘‘I must try, at all risks,” she said to herself, as she 
rose feebly from the ground ; but at the same moment 
a gentle touch on the shoulder made her start and turn 
quickly. An ethereal being stood by her side, and ex- 
claimed, 

Woman, fear not, I am a good fairy: here is the 
talisman that will help you through all your difficul- 
ties and dangers. Consult it now and on every oc-. 
casion : it will never fail to direct your course through 
the desert, and lead you to some refreshing oasis, where 
food and water can be found in abundance.” 

So saying, the fairy placed a small magic glass in 
her hand and vanished. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


For a few minutes the wife stood bewildered and 
alarmed, then she raised her magic glass to her eyes, 
and looked through it at the rocks. They were distant 
no longer, and at their feet lay soft green turf, through 
which ran streams of rippling water. 

With renewed vigor at the sight she awoke her hus- 
band, and, assisting him to rise, held before him the 
magic glass. He was not sufficiently roused from sleep 
to realize what he saw ; but he allowed her to lead him 
forward, while she described what her own eyes so 
clearly beheld. 

In a few moments from behind the rocks came one of 
the caravan. On seeing them approaching feebly, he 
called others, and before long the fainting husband and 
his brave wife were lying on the soft green turf, enjoy- 
ing the sweet fresh water and the pleasant shade, with 
the prospect of being borne by camels in a very short 
time to the end of their journey. 

think that woman must always have taken care 
of the magic glass after this,” said Frank. 

‘‘And I should love the good fairy always,” re- 
marked Jack, “for giving it me.” 

“Well, boys,” I said, “do you know any good fairy 
who has given us a talisman!” 

“Ah, papa,” said Ernest, “I know who you mean. 
Mamma is our good fairy, and ” 

“Let me finish it, Ernest!” exclaimed Fritz. “The 
talisman mamma has found for us is the Bible.” 

‘ ‘ Quite right, my boys, ’ ^ I replied ; ‘ ‘ and I hope you 
will read and value this magic glass, which not only 
guides us on our path through life, but when we look 
through at ourselves, it shows us our faults and teaches 
us how to correct them. ’ ’ 

After our midday meal I felt the necessity for giv- 
ing the boys some employment, similar to that which 
they enjoyed so much on a former occasion. I had no 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

wish to make my hours of instruction too long and 
tedious, or to give them a distaste for religious teach- 
ing, and make them turn a deaf ear to all I said ; on the 
contrary, I had supplied them with enough to think 
over now, and to make them anxious on another Sun- 
day to hear more.* 

They were at once ready to commence practicing 
with their bows and arrows, and in leaping, running, 
and climbing, which I considered of great importance 
for their bodily strength, and also to give them confi- 
dence in a moment of threatened danger. 

Nothing makes a man so timid and fearful as a want 
of physical strength and confidence in himself. 

In addition to these exercises I advised my boys to 
practice running up and down the rope ladder which 
led to our sleeping-room in the tree, and also to learn 
to raise themselves by a loose rope, which I suspended 
from the balcony, as the sailors do on board ship. 

At first I made knots here and there in the rope, as 
supports for their hands and feet, to assist them in 
the attempt; but after a little practice they managed 
to climb and descend with very few knots, and at last 
hand over hand and with legs crossed, as sailors do, 
on a smooth rope and without any assistance. 

While this was going on I was able to leave them to 
their own resources while I prepared another well- 
known weapon for their use. 

I commenced by tying a bullet to each end of a piece 
of rope about six feet long, and in a few minutes the 
boys were all round me, eagerly inquiring what I was 
doing, and whether it would be something useful or only 
a toy. 

* Young readers must remember that when the German story, of 
which this is a translation, was written, very few pleasant Sunday 
stories for children, such as now exist, had been published. These boys 
also were on an uninhabited island, without churches, chapels, Sunday- 
schools, or other pleasant religious services, all of which ought to make 
Sunday a happy day for children. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Yon shall see me nse it presently,” I replied; “but 
I will explain to yon at once that I am trying to make 
a weapon which is much used by hunters in many lands, 
chiefly, however, by the Patagonians, who inhabit the 
southern extremity of South America. It is named 
the lasso and was invented by these people, but is now 
in use among the Mexicans and the settlers in South 
America. Not having bullets, however, the Patago- 
nians use stones, which they fasten firmly to a rope 
much longer than this ; and yet they can swing the end 
of the lasso in which a stone is tied round or over their 
heads, while they hold the other end in one hand, with 
such power and swiftness, that the animal they wish 
to capture is caught by the flying rope, which twists 
round its body and limbs and renders it unable to move: 
The Mexicans are so skillful with the lasso, that they 
will throw it while on horseback at full gallop after 
their prey, and seldom fail to succeed in securing the 
animal alive, or killing it.” 

This description of Patagonian hunting was delight- 
ful to the boys, and nothing would do but that I must 
immediately make trial of the new weapon I had made, 
and prove it on the stump of a not far distant tree. 

It happened, fortunately, in spite of my unpracticed 
hand, that my first throw was successful, and the rope 
wrapped itself round the tree so securely, that the 
boys were more eager than ever to try the new weapon. 

I immediately prepared a lasso for each of the boys 
and set them to work. Fritz, however, entered upon 
the matter with great spirit, and, after a little practice, 
became entirely master of the art. I was not surprised 
at his dexterity, for he was the most active of the four 
boys, and possessed a fearless spirit. 

Added to this, being the eldest and tallest, he pos- 
sessed not only more physical strength, but the knowl- 
edge without which great strength is often useless. 

The following morning on rising early I noticed from 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


our tree castle that the sea was much a^tated, the 
wind unusually strong, and the waves dashing against 
the shore. 

I congratulated myself, therefore, on finding myself 
at Falcon’s Nest, and on having decided to remain 
here and find employment in peaceful agriculture. To 
mariners and those accustomed to the sea, the wind 
would have appeared merely a fresh breeze, but to us, 
such inexperienced sailors, it would have been an act 
of folly to venture on the ruffled waves in what, to our 
ignorance, was a veritable storm. 

I at once, therefore, readily placed myself under my 
wife’s orders. And first she showed me how she had 
occupied herself in her visits to Falcon’s Nest during 
our daily absence on the wreck. There were large 
casks of half-roasted birds preserved in butter, the 
poultry were in excellent condition, the cow looked well 
and happy, and the tame pigeons, which had built their 
nests among the branches of the fig-trees, were now 
sitting on their eggs in peaceful happiness. But when 
we reached the young fruit-trees, which I had brought 
from the wreck, I saw plenty of work before me, for 
they were parched and dry with the heat, and, indeed, 
almost withered. I felt it, therefore, necessary at once 
to plant these trees, and as we were very anxious to con- 
tinue our wanderings, we set to work with so much ac- 
tivity, that we had finished our task even earlier than 
T had expected. 

The day, however, was too far advanced for us to 
commence any travels, for the mother and Frank were 
to accompany us this time, and we had so many prep- 
arations to make, that evening arrived before we were 
ready ; indeed, it was necessary to be very diligent after 
sunset, to be in readiness to start early on the follow- 
ing day. 

At daybreak next morning, however, we were all on 
foot, and the final preparations before our departure 
200 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


were dispatched with haste. The ass and the sledge 
were to accompany ns, not only to carry onr stock of 
provisions and a flask of Canary wine, as well as 
powder and shot, but also that the younger and weaker 
of our party might ride sometimes, if they were tired. 
We wished, besides, to bring back to Falcon ^s Nest on 
our return a store of gourds, from which to make vari- 
ous articles for our use. 

At last we started in joyful spirits : Turk in his coat 
of mail, as usual, took the lead. Behind him followed 
the boys, all but little Frank, carrying arms. The 
mother and I came next with the sledge ; and lingering 
hindmost, and not at all pleased, crept Floss with 
Master Nip on her back. As a double means of de- 
fense I carried two rifles, one loaded with grape-shot, 
for our hunting performances, the other with bullets. 

Our road lay through the Flamingo Marsh, which we 
soon left behind for the lovely region beyond it. My 
wife and the younger boys, who had not seen the place 
before, could do nothing but exclaim in admiration at 
every turn. 

Fritz, however, eager for a hunting adventure, left 
the strand, and enticing Turk to join him, very soon 
disappeared from our eyes in the tall grass. Pres- 
ently we were startled by the dog’s noisy bark, and at 
the same moment an enormous bird rose in the air, fol- 
lowed by a shot from Fritz, which brought it to the 
ground instantly. The creature was not dead, how- 
ever, for with incredible strength it beat its wings in 
its rage, scattering the dust as it ran, with Turk after 
it. 

Fritz followed, panting, and Floss, who could not 
look on without wishing to take part in the fray, with 
a sudden spring threw her little monkey rider from 
her back to join in the chase, and by a shorter way take 
the fugitive in the flank. Quick as lightning, she 
caught the bird, and held it fast till Fritz came up to 
201 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


lier; but tbe wonderful strength of the bird, and the 
vigorous kicks he gave right and left to the dogs with 
his powerful feet, were so violent that Fritz did not 
dare to approach nearer. Even Turk, generally so 
courageous, after receiving two blows on his head, slunk 
away, and would not again return to the charge. 

Fritz was, therefore, obliged to wait till I could reach 
them; and being so heavily armed, I was unable to 
make my way quickly, especially through the tall grass 
in which they were hidden. 

I was, however, greatly pleased, on reaching the 
spot, to perceive that the captive was a magnificent 
bustard. Being anxious to secure the bird without 
killing it, I took out my pocket-handkerchief, and, 
watching my opportunity, threw it suddenly over the 
creature ^s head, so that it could neither see nor escape. 

I then hastened to tie those vigorous legs together, 
and after releasing the wounded wing from the jaws 
of Floss, I tied another handkerchief over both wings 
round the body; and at last the refractory animal was 
conquered. I considered this prey an excellent ad- 
dition to our farmyard, and wished, therefore, to pre- 
serve it alive, in the hope of taming it. 

Without delay, we carried it to our impatient and 
curious traveling companions who were lying on the 
strand, and waiting for us. Ernest and Jack rose as 
we approached, and running to meet us, exclaimed: 

‘‘Oh, what a beautiful bird! What a magnificent 
creature ! ’ ’ 

“Oh!^’ cried Jack, “I know, it is a bustard; we saw 
one rise once, but neither of us could shoot it. DonT 
you remember, mamma 

“I am not sorry you failed then,’’ she replied; “for 
had you killed it, a brood of little birds would have 
lost their mother; — and perhaps this bird has a nest 
of young ones somewhere : it might be as well to let her 
escape. ’ ’ 


202 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


no, dear wife!’’ I said: ‘‘if the wound in the 
wing is dangerous, and we set the bird free, she will 
die, and we shall lose an excellent and rich supply of 
food. If the wound is curable, we shall be able to tame 
the bird, and perhaps she may attract her mate to join 
her in our farmyard. As to the young ones, they are 
able to take care of themselves three weeks after they 
are hatched, and do not need a mother’s care; besides, 
the father bird is no doubt still with them, so do not be 
unhappy on that account.” 

During this discussion, I placed the wounded bird 
carefully on the sledge, and we resumed our journey 
to the cocoanut wood in which Fritz had met such a 
tragi-comic adventure with the monkeys, and little 
Nip’s mother had been killed by the dogs. His mother 
and the boys were, therefore, eagerly anxious to see 
this wood, and full of spirits they marched on before 
us. 

Ernest, a little in advance of the rest, quickly reached 
the entrance to the wood, and then, stopping suddenly 
as if seized with astonishment at the magnificent trees, 
planted himself at the foot of a cocoanut-palm, which 
stood a little apart from the rest, and regarded it with 
a meditative air, till he espied the beautiful clusters 
of nuts which hung from the higher branches. He ap- 
peared quite overwhelmed with wonder and admira- 
tion. 

I placed myself where I could observe him unnoticed, 
and watched with interest the varied feelings displayed 
on his expressive face. At last he uttered a deep sigh, 
and exclaimed, 

‘ ‘ Oh, how terribly high the nuts are ! I wish I had 
one.” 

Hardly had he uttered these words when suddenly 
a magnificent nut fell heavily to the ground at his feet 
from the wonderful tree; and while Ernest, rather 
startled, jumped aside and looked upwards, a second 
203 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


nut followed the first, as much to my astonishment as 
his. 

^‘Why, papa!” cried the boy, ‘Hhis is just like a 
fairy tale. No sooner is a wish formed in the mind 
than it is granted.” 

expect your good fairy, or the magician who per- 
forms your wishes, Ernest,” I replied, ‘‘is seated on 
the tree in the form of an ape, who is more anxious to 
pelt us with the nuts than to supply us with dainty 
dishes for our table.” 

Cautiously the boy picked up the nuts and brought 
them to me. They were scarcely ripe, and certainly 
not at all withered, so that it was impossible to suppose 
they had fallen from the tree on account of decay. I 
therefore moved nearer to Ernest, and stood with him, 
looking earnestly up at the tree, to discover if possible 
the being that had sent down the fruit so mysteriously. 
We changed our positions, standing each alone, and 
still staring up, and presently, to our surprise, two 
more nuts fell at our feet. 

At this moment Fritz joined us with his mother and 
the rest; and on hearing of the fallen nuts, he also 
directed his keen gaze to the tree. Suddenly he 
cried, 

“Ah, ah! I have discovered him, papa! Such a 
horribly hideous animal, as large as my hat, and with 
two enormous claws like a crab. Ah! he is coming 
down the tree.” 

At this information little Frank ran behind his 
mother for protection, and Ernest looked about for a 
place of safety, while Jack stood in a threatening atti- 
tude, with the butt-end of his gun raised to strike. We 
all remained, however, with our eyes fixed on the tree 
which could harbor such a hideous guest, and who was 
about to show himself. 

Slowly and steadily the creature glided down the 
tree on the trunk; but before it could reach the ground, 
204 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Jack struck at it with the butt-end of his gun, hut fail- 
ing to injure it, the animal sprang to the ground, 
and, with gaping claws, marched towards his assail- 
ant. 

The little fellow defended himself bravely, but with 
such eagerness, that all his strokes failed to reach the 
animal, who jumped aside and avoided them with won- 
derful dexterity. At last the boy stood still, removed 
his knapsack and arms, and laid them on the ground, 
took off his jacket, held it extended in both hands, ad- 
vanced cautiously towards his adversary, and sud- 
denly threw it over the animal; then, kneeling on the 
ground, he rested his whole weight upon it, and, wrap- 
ping the jacket completely round the creature ^s body, 
immediately commenced thumping violently with his 
fists the strange bundle, in which performance he ex- 
erted his whole strength. 

For some moments I could not for laughing help the 
boy ; but, recovering myself, I seized the hatchet, and, 
with a few strokes, put an end to the monster. 

^‘Well, that is a disgusting, ugly animal!’’ cried 
Jack, as I removed the jacket to make sure the crea- 
ture was dead. ^ ^ If it had not been so hideous, I should 
not have been in such a passion; but I had no fear. 
What creature is it, papa?” ^ 

‘‘A species of crab,” I replied; ‘^or, perhaps I ought 
to say, a land-crab. At all events, it is not of the same 
species as the one on the sea-shore which seized you 
by the leg. And this time you have not only shown 
courage, but also, what is of greater importance, pres- 
ence of mind, in thinking of your jacket, for you had 
a vigorous adversary to overcome. This bold gentle- 
man is, I believe, named the cocoanut crab, and lives 
upon the nuts, the shells of which he opens as much 
by skill as strength ; with its strong claws it could in- 
flict serious injury, and is no mean adversary for a 
boy to meet with and conquer. This little combat will 
205 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


show you how reason and good sense give man the 
superiority and power over the most dangerous ani- 
mals.’’ 

I now placed the dead crab and two of the nuts on 
the sledge ; the shells of the other two I broke, that we 
might obtain the milk, which was very refreshing. For 
some time we proceeded on our journey very slowly, 
on account of a thick growth of underwood and the 
tendrils of creeping plants. Several times we had to 
stop and cut with an ax a way for the ass and the sledge 
to pass, till at length Ernest made a most agreeable 
discovery, at least for the remainder of our journey; 
and, overpowered as we were by great heat, it was 
truly acceptable to us. 

While cutting down the tendrils, which entwined 
themselves across our path from tree to tree and in- 
tercepted our progress, the boy, with his usual thought- 
fulness, had noticed a kind of liquid sap exuding from 
the divided ends of the tendrils. 

On examining this sap he discovered that it was pure 
and drinkable water; and, bringing it to his mother 
and me, asked us to taste it. 

‘^See here, children!” I exclaimed, as I complied 
with his request; ‘^see what a wonderful gift from 
heaven we have found ! Men traveling in hot climates, 
perhaps for days, without finding water, and half faint- 
ing from thirst, must indeed be thankful on reaching 
a large forest which they are obliged to traverse, to 
find in it such refreshing plants as these!” 

The boys, after this, eagerly gathered a large quan- 
tity of these tendrils, and I showed them how to obtain 
the water more plentifully by making an incision at 
each end, as we had done with the sugar-canes, to ad- 
mit the air. We soon had enough to KW over and over 
again the cocoanut-shells for ourselves, and also to 
supply the animals. 

After marching on for some distance through the 

206 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


thicket, we came at last to a clearing, and saw at a lit- 
tle distance before us, near the sea-shore, the beautiful 
calabash-trees, forming a sheltering wood. We were 
not long in reaching this agreeable spot which I and 
Fritz had already visited. 

The splendid trees and their singular fruit, which 
grew in such an unusual manner, excited great wonder 
and surprise, and I hastened to explain to my wife and 
the younger boys the varied forms and sizes of the 
gourds, and also how easily we could make from them 
a good supply of the vessels and ditferent articles we 
needed. 

In a short time a large number were collected, and 
I and the boys at once commenced cutting and forming 
whatever we considered most necessary. 

Meanwhile my wife attended to the animals, and 
examined the wound in the bustard’s wing, which she 
found worse than she expected. She came, therefore, 
to me, and explained that it was cruel to let the poor 
creature lie on the sledge; so I removed the handker- 
chiefs from the bird, leaving him free, excepting that 
he was tied to a tree by the leg, and able to walk about 
as far as the length of his cord. 

After working for some time, I constructed an egg- 
basket, then two vases for milk and cream, and with 
the other half of the shells formed covers for each; 
water-bottles, spoons, and nests for the pigeons and 
fowls ; and from one of the largest gourds a beehive, 
with an opening for the bees to pass in and out. 

Frank admired it so much that he almost wished 
himself small enough to have a house made for him 
to live in out of one of the gourds. 

The pigeons’ nests I determined to nail here and 
there on the boughs of the tree on which our castle was 

? laced ; and some of the nests for the ducks and geese 
intended to take to the pond, in which they still re- 
mained at Zeltheim, and to place the rest under the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


stately roots at Falcon’s Nest, so as to form of tlie 
houses for the poultry quite a little village. 

Noon came upon us by the time we had finished all 
these articles, and then I released Fritz and Jack, who 
had long been wishing to escape, that they might light 
a fire and cook the crab. They soon came to a stand- 
still, however, for after having made some stones red 
hot to throw into a calabash-shell, they had no water 
to fill it. 

Ernest had not been successful in cutting out the 
gourds for our porcelain manufacture: he broke all 
that he took in his hand ; he therefore asked me to allow 
him to go and seek for water. I gladly gave him the 
opportunity to be useful, for I knew that while seek- 
ing for water, he might make some other important 
discovery. 

He had scarcely been absent two minutes, when he 
returned hastily, looking pale with fright, and crying 
out with panting breath, 

^‘Papa! papa! a wild boar! a wild boar! come and 
see! He came quite close to me in the thicket, and 
then rushed across the Wood.” 

“Boys! boys!” I exclaimed, as I followed Ernest, 
“on the track! on the track! This will be a splendid 
capture ! ’ ’ 

I then called the dogs, who followed me immediately 
at full gallop. 

Ernest led the way to the spot where the animal had 
so alarmed him, but no wild boar appeared. Nothing 
could be seen excepting the turned-up earth, and what 
appeared to be a few dried potatoes, which the animal 
had very likely dug up. 

Jack and Ernest were disconcerted at this sudden 
damper to their zeal for shooting, and so employed 
themselves coolly in gathering up the roots which had 
been dug up, that they did not observe the dogs, who 
were still following the scent of some animal. Fritz 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and I, however, stole cautiously after them, with guns 
in complete readiness to fire, and, guided by their eager 
barking and yelping, we in a short time reached the 
spot. 

As we approached, we heard amidst the barking and 
yelping of our dogs such a terrible grunting, which 
appeared to proceed from the same place, that we has- 
tened forward, expecting a most formidable battle. 

Our alarm was suddenly checked. There before us 
stood our own respectable sow, her ears held firmly 
by the two dogs. On seeing us, she seemed much more 
inclined to ask our help and pity by her grunting, than 
our courage in fighting. Our martial ardor gave way 
to vexation as we recognized the poor animal. Yet, 
after a pause of surprise, we could not resist a burst 
of laughter, even while we hastened to release the poor 
ill-used animal from the teeth of the dogs. 

Meanwhile our brave potato-gatherers, finding the 
barking of the dogs cease, and the sound of laughter 
instead of shots proceeding from the wood, came run- 
ning towards the spot. On their appearance, Fritz 
could not resist joking Ernest on his wonderful dis- 
covery of a wild boar, which had proved to be only our 
own inoffensive sow. 

This joking, however, Ernest received with a laugh 
and a shrug of the shoulders ; yet the jokes might have 
continued for a while longer, had not our two valiant 
heroes at this moment discovered a number of what 
appeared to be apples lying on the ground near us. 
On looking up at the bushes which grew on the spot, 
we saw a large number also hanging from the branches. 
Those which had fallen on the grass we gave to our 
sow, as some compensation for the pain and fright she 
had endured; and as she swallowed them greedily, I 
concluded that she was not much hurt. 

The boys gathered a quantity of these apples to 
carry home, yet Fritz expressed a fear that they might 
209 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


belong to the poisonous fruit of which I had warned 
them. I doubted this, on observing how much the ap- 
ples were relished by the sow; especially as in exam- 
ining one of them, I found that it did not contain a 
hard kernel, but a number of small pips. 

I still decided not to allow the boys to eat this fruit 
until I had given one to Master Nip, and if the ape ate 
it and incurred no danger, then they should be at lib- 
erty to do the same in moderation. 

But all this made us forget that we had promised to 
find water for the cooking performances, and we were 
only at last reminded of this promise by feeling thirsty. 
I and the boys, therefore, went forward hastily to 
search for water with greater diligence. 

Jack, who was in advance of us, had scrambled up 
a rocky mound at a little distance; but no sooner had 
he reached the summit than he stood still with a hor- 
ror-stricken face, as if unable to move, and exclaimed, 

‘^Papa, papa, a crocodile! a crocodile!’^ 

‘‘A crocodile!^’ I replied; ‘^what, so far from the 
water as this? That would indeed be singular.’’ 

As I spoke, however, we all with eager expectation 
rushed to the spot; and I immediately recognized in 
Jack’s frightful wild beast a kind of large lizard, 
named the iguana, much esteemed as delicate eating in 
the West Indies, and sleeping quietly. 

‘‘This will be a prize,” I exclaimed to the boys, “if 
we can capture this creature, as a present for your 
mother. ’ ’ 

Fritz, with his usual sportsman’s zeal, raised his 
gun to fire, but I checked him hastily. 

“Steady, my boy,” I said. “You must not be so 
rash. Your shot would most likely only wound the 
animal without killing him, for these creatures have 
a wonderful tenacity of life. We must use other means 
to capture our booty.” 

I immediately cut a strong switch, and fastened to 

210 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the end of it a string with a slip-knot. In my left hand 
I carried a large dry branch of a tree, and slowly ap- 
proached the sleeping animal. The boys in silence 
watched me cnrionsly without moving. As I drew 
nearer, I commenced whistling softly, increasing the 
melody in loudness by degrees. 

The sleeper presently awoke, and appeared so en- 
chanted, that he raised his head to listen, and perhaps 
to see where the sound came from. I approached, with 
caution, to avoid alarming the animal, near enough for 
me to pass my slip-knot round his neck, still continu- 
ing to whistle. The task was not difficult, for the ani- 
mal appeared so infatuated with the music, that I suc- 
ceeded in throwing the cord and tightening the knot 
round his neck, and made him my captive with ease. 
I then dragged him to the foot of the rock, and turned 
him over on his back to kill him more speedily. 

The animal resisted me furiously, and struck right 
and left such tremendous blows with his tail, that I 
had need of all my self-possession to avoid them. The 
boys came hastily to my assistance; but. Jack standing 
carelessly too near, a stroke from the tail threw him 
on the ground head over heels. This so irritated the 
boys, that they rushed forward to destroy the creature 
with the butt-end of their guns. 

I arrested their intentions, however, although the 
row of sharp-pointed teeth which he displayed when 
he opened his immense jaws was quite alarming 
enough as they approached to drive them back. 

I adopted a more merciful plan, by firmly piercing 
the nostrils with my switch, which was followed im- 
mediately by instant death and a very few drops of 
blood. 

As usual, after conquering our prey, this result was 
attended with a triumphal cry of joy from us all, and 
the boys expressed their wonder at the clever manner 
in which I had captured and killed the iguana. We 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


could not think of leaving snch a valuable booty be- 
hind us, and as our sledge was a long way off, I re- 
solved to carry the creature on my back, the boys fol- 
lowing to support the tail, for the weight was enor- 
mous. 

However, we chose the shortest way to the mother 
and Frank, but long before we reached them we heard 
our names called in tones of anxiety and alarm. Our 
long absence had alarmed them, because there had 
been no usual firing; but when we replied to them 
cheerfully, the tones changed to cries of joy, and all 
trouble was forgotten. Many questions were asked, 
and so much had to be related, that we began to feel 
more hungry and thirsty than ever, and to long for 
dinner. But on removing the strange and precious 
burden from my shoulders, it was a pleasure to ob- 
serve the surprise and delight depicted on their faces ; 
and they soon acknowledged that we could not be 
blamed for omitting to bring water under the circum- 
stances. 

All this occupied so much time, that I knew it would 
be impossible to prepare a portion of the iguana for 
dinner, so we were obliged to content ourselves with 
the cold provisions we had brought from Falcon’s 
Nest. Added to it, however, were a few potatoes, 
which had been hastily placed in the glowing cinders 
while the mother was waiting for the water-carriers, 
who never came. 

Master Nip had seized and eaten one of the apples 
which I otfered him so eagerly, that I readily gave the 
boys the permission they desired; and never, I believe, 
was fruit so thoroughly enjoyed. The ape, not being 
satisfied with those we gave him, found out our store 
and stole several. Even the bustard, which we had 
tied by the leg to a tree, came the length of his string 
to seize an apple we threw to him. 

I came to the conclusion at last that we had discov- 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ered a West Indian fruit named guava, for it was so 
full of juice, that it supplied the place of water, and 
our thirst was greatly relieved. 

Altogether, the frugal meal had greatly refreshed 
and strengthened us, and as the day was far advanced, 
my wife proposed that we should prepare to turn our 
steps homewards. 

The days appeared to me to be growing shorter, and 
I readily agreed to her suggestion. 

During our absence the mother and little Frank had 
loaded the sledge with the newly-constructed calabash 
vessels, that they might be ready to take home with us. 
These, however, not being dry, I decided to leave till 
morning, and load our good gray horse Grizzle with 
his usual traveling-bags, containing the dry calabash 
utensils, the iguana, and on his back our youngest boy 
as a rider. A cord was attached to the bustard, that 
the mother and Frank might lead him, or at least drive 
him before us, without much trouble. 

After these preparations, we started at once on a 
direct road to Falcon’s Nest, and, avoiding the guava- 
tree grove, presently entered a wood of majestic oaks, 
beneath which lay a quantity of acorns. On these the 
bustard fed with great eagerness; and we arrived, 
happily without accident, at Falcon’s Nest before sun- 
set. There remained, therefore, time enough to un- 
pack our booty, feed the animals, and prepare supper. 

A piece of the iguana’s flesh, baked with potatoes 
and roasted acorns which the boys had gathered up, 
formed a delicious repast, and with thankful hearts 
we retired to rest in our aerial chamber, and slept 
soundly till morning. 


213 


CHAPTER XVin 


THE CANADIAN FOWL AND THE INDIA-KUBBEB TREE 

F ritz and I started next morning with the ass to 
bring home the sledge and the remainder of the 
gourd vessels. I advised the younger boys to remain 
with their mother, for I had planned an excursion on 
the chain of rocks, to be performed by Fritz and my- 
self, and was unwilling that the weakness or timidity 
of the younger boys should interfere with the success 
of my undertaking, if they accompanied me. 

On arriving at the green wood of oaks, we found the 
sow peacefully feeding on the acorns with a good ap- 
petite. We had not attempted to take her with us on 
the previous evening, because she appeared more than 
ever obstinate and unmanageable. I was glad, how- 
ever, to observe that she was not the worse for the at- 
tack upon her, but as tame as ever, and not in the least 
shy or wild. 

While passing through the wood, we gathered up a 
large store of acorns, and as we walked without noise 
on the green turf, we noticed a quantity of birds among 
the branches of the trees. They allowed us to ap- 
proach so closely that Fritz could not resist having a 
shot, and brought down a jay and two small paroquets. 

The color of the jay was a beautiful blue, and he had 
a kind of crest on his head. One of the paroquets had 
a rich red plumage; the feathers of the other were 
green and gold. 

While Fritz re-charged his gun, we heard at a little 
distance a most singular noise, something like the 
sound of a muffled drum. Fritz was instantly on the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


alert, for he, as well as myself, imagined it might be 
the battle music of savages. We therefore crept softly 
through the bushes which concealed the spot from 
whence this unusual sound came. 

Presently we came upon an open space less over- 
grown with shrubs, in which lay a fallen and partly- 
decayed trunk of a tree, and upon it stood a beautiful 
bird, of about the size of a domestic cock, having round 
his neck a magnificent collar of variegated feathers, 
and making the most ridiculous grimaces and antics. 

At first he twisted himself round and round, rolled 
his eyes as if he were possessed, then ruffled the feath- 
ers of his collar, producing by the movement a strange 
noise ; then he spread his tail in the form of a fan, and 
beat his wings with such velocity that a mist seemed to 
envelope, like a cloud, the droll little performer. It 
was evidently this beating of the wings which produced 
the sound of the muffled drum, in the hollow and dry 
spot occupied by the half -decayed trunk of the tree on 
which he was perched. 

This droll bird was surrounded by a number of oth- 
ers, exactly like himself, but without the feathered 
ruff round the neck : they no doubt were assembled to 
witness his antics, and by the earnest attention with 
which they watched him, seemed to be greatly de- 
lighted. 

All this so excited my curiosity, that I had deter- 
mined to wait and see the end of the play; when sud- 
denly, an unexpected shot from behind where I stood, 
fired by my impetuous son Fritz, put an end to the com- 
edy. 

The inspired drummer fell from the stage and lay 
stretched in the sand. The feathered and scared audi- 
ence took to flight, and my anxious expectations of an 
amusing termination to the play had vanished, and 
left me nothing but empty disappointment. 

This interruption of a remarkable theatrical per- 

215 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


formance was not pleasing to me, and I could not re- 
frain from reproving Fritz for his rashness; and by 
so doing, greatly lessened his pride in having aimed 
so correctly. However, as the creature was really 
dead, and on examination proved to he a valuable prize, 
I overlooked the eagerness of the sportsman.* 

We packed the Canadian fowl on the back of the 
ass, and continued on our way, till we arrived at the 
spot where we had left the sledge in the calabash wood, 
and to our great joy found everything in the best con- 
dition. 

The morning, however, was by this time far ad- 
vanced, and I found it, therefore, necessary to hasten 
forward on our proposed excursion to the chain of 
rocks, and, if possible, discover whether we were on 
the inner land of an extensive promontory, or on an 
island surrounded by the ocean. 

In our way to the rocks, we passed a small brook 
similar to that near Falcon’s Nest, which offered a 
welcome refreshment. 

Leaving the guava wood behind us, we passed 
through large plantations of manihot or cassava and 
potatoes, which interrupted our progress not a little. 
We were compensated, however, for the delay by the 
beautiful appearance which the blossoms of these 
plants presented to our eyes. 

At a little distance farther on, we came upon a new 
grove of trees of a singular form, while from the 
branches hung a great number of curious clusters of 
berries, exactly like wax. We plucked several of them, 
and found that the warmth of our hands made them 
stick to our fingers. 

I remembered then having read that a kind of wax- 
bearing plant grows in America, known in botany as 
the Myrica cerifera. I was, therefore, greatly pleased 

* This singular bird is a native of Canada, called by some naturalists 
Tetrao tympanum, but it is better known by the name of the ruffed 
grouse, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


with this discovery; and Fritz, observing my satisfac- 
tion, inquired, 

‘‘Are those berries of any use, papa? They do not 
appear good to eat.’^ 

“They are not useful as food, certainly, Fritz, I 
replied; “but we shall no doubt he able to make wax 
candles of them for the winter evenings, which will be 
of great service to us ; for if properly made, they will 
burn for a long time, and not only give forth a bright 
light, but also an agreeable smell.” 

The prospect of candle-making, and light during the 
winter evenings, greatly pleased Fritz, and he gladly 
assisted me in gathering as many berries as we could 
cram into a sack for the ass to carry ; and we then con- 
tinued our journey. 

We had not proceeded far, when we came upon a 
singular-looking object, built round the trunk of a tree, 
which looked like a large umbrella. 

As we stood gazing at it in surprise, I noticed sev- 
eral birds rather larger than a yellow ammer or a 
goldfinch, but with brown plumage, flying about, or en- 
tering this strange dwelling by small holes at the sides 
or underneath. 

I saw at once that this singular formation consisted 
of a great number of nests built on a tree round the 
stem, at the point from which the lower branches 
spring, by a colony of birds who appeared to be living 
together in the most sociable manner. 

Each pair of birds had its own nest; in fact, this curi- 
ous construction was like a town full of houses, all 
under one roof. This roof was in itself a wonderful 
sight: being formed of straw and moss, and sloping 
down from the trunk of the tree like the cover of an 
umbrella, was, therefore, a complete protection from 
both the sun and the rain.* The branches and houghs 

* The birds who live in this sociable manner, and unite in building 
such a wonderful residence, are on this account sometimes called um- 
brella birds. 


217 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of the tree which these birds had chosen for their 
building also overshadowed and partly concealed the 
colonial residence, enabling the little creatures to slip 
in and out of their nest-entrances without attracting 
much attention. The tree was also in the depth of the 
forest, yet itself far removed from those around it, 
to give the bird colonists room for the town they wished 
to build. And, indeed, they required a good space, 
for the size was astonishing, and reminded me of an 
immense swimming-bath, with little entrances all 
round, as a means of ingress and egress to the swim- 
mers. 

The number, also, of the feathered inhabitants 
greatly astonished me ; for they took alarm at our ap- 
proach, and flew around us in a state of great excite- 
ment, chattering angrily, and evidently ready to repel 
by thousands of beaks any attack on their com- 
munity. 

While observing with admiration this wonderful 
proof of bird instinct, I was surprised to see a species 
of small parrot enter some of the nests, causing a great 
commotion among the colonists, who opposed them 
bravely ; but the intruders managed, in spite of angry 
attacks, to obtain possession of some of the empty 
nests. 

On seeing this, Fritz, who very much wished to se- 
cure a living parrot, and curious to examine these re- 
markable nests more closely, threw his gun on the 
ground and climbed up the tree. 

On reaching the nearest branch which hung over the 
building, he seized it with one hand, while he thrust 
the other into the nearest nest-opening : — ^it was empty. 
He shifted his position, and tried another, with the 
same result. The third time he got rewarded for his 
boldness as a nest-robber; for while feeling the soft 
feathers of birds in the nest, a hard seed-cracking 
beak seized his finger, and obliged him quickly to with- 
218 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


draw his hand, and cry out with pain as he shook it in 
the air. 

But he had not lost his hold on the bough, and his 
courage was not even daunted by this attack. He 
again quickly thrust his hand into the nest, and seizing 
the lovely biter, he brought him out in spite of his 
screams into daylight, and, placing the bird hastily in 
his pocket, descended the tree with speed. But the 
cries of the little prisoner attracted the birds from 
their nests, and they assembled round him in such 
numbers, and in such a threatening attitude, that he 
considered it advisable to beat a retreat. 

When at last he felt himself safe, he drew his cap- 
tive from his pocket, and on examination found he had 
captured a kind of sparrow-parrot with a beautiful 
green plumage. 

Fritz was highly delighted with his prize, which he 
again carefully placed in his pocket, to take home with 
him, and teach it to talk. 

As we continued our journey, our conversation nat- 
urally turned on this wonderful colony of birds, and 
their sociability with each other. Fritz asked if there 
were many other creatures in the world living together 
in such social communities, and whether the mechan- 
ical power they displayed in building wonderful homes 
for themselves could be the result of instinct. 

‘‘This is a difficult question, Fritz, I remarked, 
“for we might justly attribute the cleverness of which 
you speak to reason; yet other animals possess it, es- 
pecially those who form communities of their own. 
The beavers build quite a village, in which a large num- 
ber live together in great sociability and companion- 
ship, and work pleasantly together. ^ Bees, wasps, and 
drones also possess this social instinct very strongly, 
as well as the coral insects and ants. ^ ’ 

“Ah, yes, papa, I have often watched the ants work- 
ing together in their communities, building and pro- 
219 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


viding their food for winter; it is a most amusing 
sight. ’ ^ 

‘‘Have you also remarked,’^ I said, “how the ants 
scatter their eggs about, to be hatched by the sunT^ 

“Oh, papa!’^ he exclaimed hastily, “I am not so 
silly as to believe that what people call ants^ eggs are 
really eggs, — at least, in the proper sense of the word. 
Indeed, I know that they are the chrysalis of the ant- 
worm, or larvae, which is a tiny little worm produced 
from a very, very small egg. The sun after a certain 
time opens the chrysalis-case, and a little ant comes 
out, and begins to work directly, as the others do.’^ 

“Correctly explained, my dear boy,’’ I said; “but 
if ants and their doings are so wonderful in our own 
dear country, what would be your astonishment to 
hear of the industry and work of those which are na- 
tives of other lands ! They build for their eggs a kind 
of oven or nest, from four to six feet high, and nearly 
as broad: the walls and roof of this nest are so hard 
and thick, that neither, rain nor sunshine can penetrate 
it. In this enclosure are streets, galleries, vaults, and 
store-cellars ; and it is so firmly built that it might read- 
ily be used, with a little alteration, as a baking-oven for 
the service of man. 

‘ ‘ The ant itself is an ugly and unpleasant insect, for 
the creatures destroy, by gnawing and tearing, every- 
thing that comes in their way, and will steal all that is 
useful for their storehouses, even when supposed to be 
concealed from their view. Many other insects, as 
well as birds and four-footed animals, are, however, 
enemies to ants, upon which they feed. Among these 
the great ant-bear or ant-eater is their most formidable 
enemy, and by nature fitted for the work. He has on 
his fore feet large claws, which enable him to tear down 
and destroy their vaulted nests, or ant-hills, and com- 
fortable dwellings ; and when the poor little creatures 
are scattered in every direction and trying to escape or 
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SWISS FAMILYt ROBINSON 


to hide, he p\its out his long tongue, which is sticky 
like glue on the surface, and to this they adhere, and 
are drawn into his mouth by hundreds. This perform- 
ance is so easy as well as agreeable to the ant-eater, 
that in some countries it is said his appearance is gladly 
welcomed, for in a very short time all the ant-hills cease 
to exist. I have read also that in some countries the 
savages eat them for food, so that ants cannot always 
be so very repulsive.’’ 

While thus describing the natural history of ants to 
my son Fritz, we had made tolerable progress, and 
presently arrived at a little wood containing a singular 
kind of wild tig-tree. The fruit was round, and full 
of little seed-kernels in a soft fleshy pulp that had a 
bitter taste. However, as we approached nearer, I 
noticed a kind of sap or gum, which, after oozing from 
the trunk of the tree, appeared to have become dry and 
hard by the influence of the air and the sun’s heat. 

Fritz declared that this new discovery reminded him 
of the gum which flowed from the plum-tree in Eu- 
rope, and also of gum-arabic, which was so useful, when 
mixed with lime, to make paste. He therefore tried 
to loosen some portions from the tree to take home 
with him as a useful store for such a purpose. 

While proceeding on our journey, Fritz amused him- 
self by rubbing some pieces of the hardened gum 
through his fingers, and found, to his surprise, that the 
warmth of his hands softened it. A sudden thought 
struck him. He took a piece of the softened gum in 
both hands and stretched it out to a great length; 
then, suddenly releasing one end, it sprang back to its 
former size, proving at once that it was elastic. 

‘‘Papa, papa, stop!” cried the boy, running after 
me, for I had walked on quickly. I turned at the sound ; 
and as he reached me almost breathless, he exclaimed, 

“Look, papa! I believe that the trees we took for 
wild figs are caoutchouc-trees, for this I am sure is 
221 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


india-rubber. I stretched it out, and when I let go it 
slipped back suddenly to its former size.’’ 

‘‘What a splendid discovery!” I exclaimed, with 
great joy. ^‘It will indeed be of great service to us in 
many ways. I will go back with you and examine the 
tree.” 

‘‘But, papa,” said Fritz, as we retraced our steps, 
“can any use be made of india-rubber besides rubbing 
out pencil-marks on paper 

“Certainly, my boy,” I replied. “The caoutchouc- 
tree produces a kind of milky sap, which oozes from 
the trunk of the tree through an incision in the bark. 
It was brought to Switzerland from France and Portu- 
gal, but I believe it is a native of Brazil, Guiana, and 
Cayenne, in South America. We have it sent to us at 
home in the form of bottles. These are made by the 
natives, who cut incisions in the bark, and, while it is 
fresh and flowing, receive it into molds of the shape of 
bottles, goblets, spoons, and many other articles, even 
boots and shoes.” 

“But why is our india-rubber so black!” asked Fritz. 

“Because,” I replied, “when the liquid is dry and 
thick, it is taken from the mold and hung up to harden 
in smoke, which turns it black. ’ ’ 

By this time we had reached the cocoanut wood, and 
recognized at the right the broad bay we had before 
seen, and to the left the promontory of False Hope, 
which seemed to be the termination of our excursion. 
Here first it occurred to me that, among so many co- 
coanut-palms, we might find one of those valuable trees 
called the sago-palm. 

I presently noticed a large trunk lying on the ground, 
which had evidently been thrown down by the wind, in 
this I found a quantity of sap of a floury nature, which 
I tasted, and discovered that it exactly resembled Eu- 
ropean sago. 

I was confirmed also in my supposition by seeing a 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


number of white worms, usually found in the sap, on 
which they fatten, and evidently large enough now for 
the change to a chrysalis. These creatures I knew 
were highly esteemed as a delicacy in the West India 
islands., I quickly, therefore, collected enough to fill 
a dish, and determined to taste them in spite of their 
repulsive appearance. 

For this purpose I hastily lighted a fire, and placed 
before it three sticks, tied together at the top, to form 
a triangle. I then, after sprinkling them with salt, 
stuck the little worms on a wooden spit, and rested the 
spit on the triangular sticks in front of the fire. 

Fritz regarded my proceedings with surprise. He 
could not imagine I really intended to eat these rep- 
tiles, and evidently considered it a good joke, until I 
placed potatoes in the hot ashes beneath my roast, that 
the fat might drop upon them. It then appeared to 
him beyond a joke. 

But presently my cooking exhaled such a tempting 
and delicious smell, that Fritz conquered his repug- 
nance; I was not left, therefore, to enjoy this my first 
experiment alone, for he was as ready to eat of the 
new dish as myself. The fat, spread upon the baked 
potatoes like butter, added greatly to their flavor. 

After this unusual meal, we started again on our 
journey, and presently reached a thick growth of bam- 
boo canes, which we did not attempt to pass through, 
for it seemed boundless. Turning, however, to the left, 
towards a beacon that marked an outlet, we reached a 
grove of sugar-canes, which grew just beyond, and 
promised us at least some booty. It was not likely 
that we should return home empty-handed, so we gath- 
ered a large bundle of the sweet dainty and added it 
to our ass’s load. Neither did we forget to refresh 
ourselves on the way with the contents of some pieces 
of sugar-cane. 

On reaching the spot where we had left the loaded 

223 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sledge, and adding to it the articles which the donkey 
had hitherto carried on his back, we harnessed him 
to it. 

Poor old Graycoat, therefore, was obliged to accom- 
modate himself patiently and meekly to the task of 
drawing the sledge home. 

We reached Falcon ^s Nest, however, in good time and 
without further adventure. The dear ones at home 
were glad to see us, for our long absence had made 
them rather anxious, and also greatly pleased with the 
booty we had brought home. 

The description of our journey and what we had seen 
gave great satisfaction, but the delight of the younger 
boys at the appearance of the green parrot threw all 
else in the shade. 

After supper, however, we were glad to climb to our 
bedroom in the tree, draw up the rope ladder, and en- 
joy refreshing sleep, after the fatigues of the day. 


224 


CHAPTER XIX 

CANDLE-MAKING THE NEW CABT 

‘ ‘ ANDLE-M AKIN Gr to-day ! Candle-making ! ’ ^ 

exclaimed the boys when they rose next morn- 
ing; and they gave me no rest, after we had break- 
fasted, till I promised to commence at once my attempt 
at the construction of candles from the berries of the 
wax plant. I knew, however, that a little grease or 
tallow would improve the wax, and make my candles 
burn longer and with more brilliancy; but as we had 
nothing of the sort, I was obliged to do the best I could 
with the berries, and hope to succeed. 

First we placed as many berries as possible in a 
large saucepan, and stood it over the fire to melt; in 
a very short time these berries produced a considerable 
quantity of beautiful green wax. This was thrown 
into a large vessel while in a liquid state, and placed 
near the fire. While the berries were melting, we pre- 
pared a number of wicks from the threads of the sail- 
cloth, and these were dipped into the wax quickly and 
carefully, after being drawn out, and hung in the air, 
till the wax became congealed and fixed firmly round 
the wicks. 

This operation we performed two or three times, till 
the wicks had taken sufficient wax to form candles of 
tolerably respectable shape and thickness. At last 
we hung them up in a cool place to harden, and although 
they were far inferior in roundness and size to those we 
could purchase at home, yet when night came, and one 
was lighted, it threw around us such a clear bright 
light, that we were overjoyed with the result. There 
would be no occasion now for us to go to bed at sun- 
225 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


set, for this light would serve us in our tree-castle 
sleeping-apartment in a most convenient manner. 

This success in candle-making encouraged me to try 
a second attempt of another description, which the 
mother had long wished for. She had often a large 
store of cream to spare, which would have made excel- 
lent butter; but among the articles found on board ship, 
we found no churn, and I therefore resolved to try 
another plan, a description of which I had read. 

I chose the largest of our calabash bottles, and after 
filling it half full of cream, closed it tightly, that none 
might run out. I then placed four stakes in the ground, 
to these I tied a piece of sail-cloth by the four corners, 
and laid the bottle upon it. At each side, between the 
stakes, I placed one of the boys, and desired him to 
roll it backwards and forwards, by alternately raising 
the cloth, so as to keep it in constant agitation. 

This performance proved capital fun, for the boys 
were delighted with their work, and kept it up with 
jokes and laughter for more than half an hour, for I 
had warned them not to pause for a moment. 

At the end of that time I opened the bottle, and 
found, to our great joy, that there had been churned 
some really good butter. 

I had, however, another and much more difficult un- 
dertaking on my mind, which for a long time seemed 
impracticable. I had noticed that the sledge was not 
only inconvenient, but also very heavy for our animals 
to draw ; and as we had brought four cartwheels from 
the wreck on one of our expeditions, I had long wished 
to construct a little cart, or some vehicle suitable for 
carrying different articles from one place to another. 

As I now possessed the necessary tools and imple- 
ments, such as a saw, wood, iron, gimlet and hammer, 
nails and screws, I determined to try what I could do, 
and after some trouble and difficulty, I succeeded in 
constructing a sort of little carriage, which, though 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


not very elegant in appearance, would, I knew, be very 
useful, especially in bringing home corn in the time of 
harvest. 

In the meantime, my folks at Zeltheim were employed 
daily in transplanting the European fruit-trees which 
I had brought from the wreck. The vines were placed 
carefully near the arched roots, for they were grape- 
vines, and required air and a shady place ; but the or- 
anges, citrons, the shaddock,* the pistacio-nut, mulber- 
ries, medlars, olives, cherries, and other fruit con- 
taining kernels, were planted on the way to the bridge 
over the Jackal Eiver, where they could obtain light 
and warmth. 

I wished also to make the rocks at Zeltheim a kind 
of fortification, as all our ammunition lay there; and 
although the vegetation was very rapid in this climate, 
and a hedge of thorny plants would in a short time 
form a protection against wild beasts round the spot, 
yet something more was necessary to prevent interrup- 
tion or interference from savages. I resolved, there- 
fore, to choose two little elevations near the river, on 
which to fix the two cannons from the pinnace, and also 
to plant a thick hedge of thorns around the whole spot. 

These engagements employed us entirely for six 
weeks, and, by the mercy of God, this constant activity 
had given health to our bodies and contentment to our 
hearts. Each Sunday as it arrived had been regularly 
kept, and the rest and refreshment of mind and body 
gave us renewed courage to continue our daily labor. 

Sunday services were always welcome, and I still 
continued to encourage my boys in exercises which 
strengthened the muscles, such as swinging, wrestling, 
hauling and lifting ; and these they managed with such 
great strength, that I hoped in time they would also 
excel in running, climbing, archery, and swimming. 

Religious exercises calmed the spirits of the young 

* A kind of orange nearly as large as a child’s head. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


people for the early part of the day, yet I was surprised 
to find them as fresh and eager for gymnastic exertion 
as if the week’s work had been mere play. Nothing is 
so refreshing to mind and body as a change of employ- 
ment. 

But the hard work of six weeks had completely worn 
out our clothes, and this, with other important reasons, 
made me consider it necessary to return once more to . 
the wreck. I also wished if possible to bring away one 
or two more of the cannon, to place on the heights of 
our fortification. 

On the first fine day, therefore, I set out in the pin- 
nace for the wreck, with the three elder boys. We 
found everything just as we had left it; but the wind 
and waves had loosened the beams and damaged the 
powder-casks. The sailors’ chests, however, were in 
tolerably good condition, and these we placed on board 
the pinnace by means of the crane, as well as a box 
containing a quantity of ball and shot, and two small 
cannon; but the four-pounder was too heavy to be 
moved, so we returned to land without it. 

On the second trip, we towed our tub-boat behind 
the pinnace, and quickly loaded it with planks, doors, 
window-shutters, locks and bolts, and as many other 
precious things as we could possibly carry. At last, 
when it seemed as if we had plundered the wreck of 
every useful article, I resolved to blow it up with gun- 
powder, in the hope that the wind and the waves would 
cast on shore wood and beams, as well as other articles 
suitable for house-building, which were too heavy for 
us to bring away in our boats. 

Before leaving the wreck, however, I had discovered 
a large heavy copper cauldron, used for refining sugar, 
which I thought might be saved. I therefore attached 
it to two empty casks, strong enough to support it, and 
launched them all into the sea. 

When ready to start, I discovered a powder-barrel 

228 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


that we were obliged to leave behind : this I rolled into 
the bold of the ship, and fastened to it carefully the end 
of a fusee, spreading powder also for a considerable 
distance from the cask to the very edge of the gang- 
way. Then, after lighting the fusee and a piece of tow, 
I sprang into the boat, where the boys were already 
seated, and, with outspread sail, hastened towards the 
shore. 

We had scarcely reached the bay, when a roar of 
majestic thunder resounded from the rocks, and at 
the same moment a brilliant column of fire rising into 
the air, announced that my plan had been completed. 

A feeling of sadness came over me : it seemed as if 
the last tie that hound us to our dear home was broken ; 
and when my wife and Frank in great alarm met us 
as we landed, she and the boys seemed overcome with 
the same sad feeling. It was as if we had lost in the 
ship an old and dear friend. 

My wife was at first unable to understand my reasons 
for this destruction of the wreck, but I explained the 
matter, and begged her to wait till the morning. 

A night ^s rest enabled us to shake off all feelings of 
regret, especially when we saw the consequences on 
the shore. The wreck had disappeared, but the beach 
was strewn with wooden planks and beams, while on 
the sea near the shore floated broken fragments of all 
descriptions, and amongst them I discovered, with 
great satisfaction, the copper cauldron floating between 
the two casks to which I had fastened it. 

Many days were employed in collecting all these use- 
ful articles, and piling them in a heap on the shore ; but 
my greatest anxiety was to fish out the powder-casks, 
and place them for safety behind a rock, till we could 
add them to our store of ammunition at Zeltheim. We 
covered them with earth and moss, and piled some of 
our planks of wood round them, as a greater security. 
My wife, who was always anxious about the powder, 
229 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


came herself to make sure there was no danger, and 
she brought us also good news. 

Two of the ducks and a goose which we had left at 
Zeltheim had just brought off broods of ducklings and 
goslings, who were swimming about on the brook in 
all the delights of freedom. We tried to make them 
used to us, and attracted the frolicsome little creatures 
by throwing to them crumbs of biscuit. But this agree- 
able occupation awoke such a longing desire to see 
once more all our feathered folk at Falcon ^s Nest, that 
we decided to return there on the following day. 

On our road to Falcon’s Nest in the morning, I no- 
ticed that the two rows of newly-planted fruit-trees had 
grown so rapidly, that the slender stems seemed to bend 
with weakness. I resolved, therefore, as soon as pos- 
sible, to make another excursion to the promontory of 
False Hope, and procure a number of bamboo canes, 
to be planted near our trees, that the young stems might 
be tied to them, as a support in case of a storm or 
strong wind. In addition to this necessity for such a 
journey, our store of bamboo canes, as well as of other 
useful things, was quite exhausted ; and one of the hens 
wanting to sit, my wife was anxious to place under her 
some of the eggs of the Canadian fowl. 

I decided, therefore, to start on this expedition very 
soon, and as all my family were to accompany me, great 
preparations were necessary, to supply us with pro- 
visions, garden implements, and tools, as well as am- 
munition. 

With these we loaded both the sledge and the newly- 
constructed cart, across which I had placed a seat, for 
the youngest and the weakest to ride when they felt 
tired. In our stock of provisions was included a bottle 
of wine from the captain’s store, two bottles of water, 
and no end of necessary ammunition, partly on the 
cart and partly on the sledge, besides what we could 
carry ourselves. 


230 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


To enable the boys to climb the cocoannt-trees, I in- 
vented a new contrivance, which I was convinced would 
prove useful, not only to preserve their clothes from 
destruction, but also to give them a light but firm hold 
on the trunk. For this purpose I provided myself 
with a piece of the shark’s skin, and formed pads, to 
bind on their arms and knees when they climbed for 
cocoanuts. We could not always expect to find apes 
or crabs on the branches to throw down the nuts, and 
therefore I wished the boys to learn the art of climb- 
ing, and in that way obtain a supply for themselves. 

We started on a beautiful morning in high spirits 
from Falcon’s Nest, and I led my household by the 
newly-discovered road to the plantations of potatoes, 
manihot, and cassava-roots, through which Fritz and I 
had passed, and at length reached the bird colony tree, 
and the spot where I had been entertained with the 
performances of the Canadian grouse. 

My dear ones, who had not accompanied Fritz and 
myself in that excursion, were very curious about the 
places we had passed, and listened eagerly to the ac-, 
counts we gave of what we had seen. 

‘ ‘ Do you think we could procure any of the Canadian 
fowl’s eggs now, papal” asked Jack. 

‘^Better wait till our return,” remarked his mother. 
‘‘How could we carry eggs so far without breaking 
them I ’ ’ 

I felt this remark to be true, and as the wax-berry- 
tree soon came in sight, the eggs were forgotten, while 
the boys eagerly gathered berries enough to fill two 
sacks, which were stowed away safely in a spot we 
should pass on our way home. 

^WFen we reached the india-rubber tree, I made sev- 
eral incisions in the bark, from which the gum oozed 
freely, and soon filled all our little vessels. 

These also were left to their fate for our homeward 
iourney, and we continued to advance till we reached 
231 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the cocoanut wood, and leaving it on the left, presently 
arrived at an open spot situated between the grove of 
sugar-canes and the bamboo-bushes, which lay at a 
little distance beyond. Here we paused to admire a 
beautiful landscape which lay stretched out before us. 
On our left was the sugar-cane grove, to the right the 
bamboos, and before us a splendid avenue of palm- 
trees, beyond which could be seen the promontory of 
False Hope, stretching out into the deep sea. 

The prospect was so charming, and the spot so at- 
tractive, that for a* time we felt almost inclined to re- 
move from Falcon’s Nest, and take up our abode here. 
But the safety of our night castle in the great tree, 
and a multitude of other advantages which we enjoyed 
at Falcon’s Nest, made us decide to remain at the dear 
old home. 

Here, however, we determined to make a halt for 
our midday meal, so the animals were unharnessed 
from the cart, and set at liberty, to graze on the rich 
pasture beneath the shade of the palm-trees. We also 
produced from our store of provisions enough for a 
slight repast, while resting on the overshadowed turf ; 
and then I and the boys set to work to cut down and 
tie together bamboo and sugar-canes, in bundles of a 
size suitable for placing on the cart conveniently. 

This exertion aroused the only half-satisfied appe- 
tites of the boys, which they were obliged to appease 
by sucking sugar-canes, for the mother would not spare 
a morsel of what she had saved for supper in the even- 
ing. 

At length they cast longing eyes on the cocoanuts, 
which hung in clusters so temptingly from the palms. 
They sought on the ground for some time, but in 
vain, for fallen fruit, and then Fritz and Jack 
started forward, and commenced climbing the trees. 
They rose at first rapidly, but the trunk was too large 
and too smooth for them to cling round it; they slid 
232 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


down, therefore, to the ground, and measured, with 
discouraged eyes, the height of the smooth and polished 
stem. 

In this dilemma I produced the rough pads of the 
shark’s skin, and after fastening them to the arms 
and knees of the two boys, I told them to try again, 
as the rough surface would enable them to rest and 
take breath by clinging round the stem with their 
knees. 

In addition to this, I bound a piece of rope round each 
of their legs, to keep the pieces of shark’s skin firm, 
and also round the tree, so that they might carry it 
with them to the top, as it would help them to descend 
more easily. I knew that savages and Negro slaves 
adopted this plan when climbing, so I had no fear of 
their not succeeding, and I saw the two boys swing 
themselves up and reach the top of the tree more quickly 
than I had even dared to hope. 

Joyfully Fritz and Jack had made the attempt, and, 
as they soon reached the crown of the tree, each took 
an ax from his leathern girdle, and struck so bravely 
the clusters of cocoanuts, that they fell to the ground 
like hail, and we had to escape quickly out of the way, 
lest they should fall on our heads. 

They reached the ground with equal success, and 
almost beside themselves with joy, received our earnest 
congratulations that this wonderful gymnastic per- 
formance on such a lofty tree had turned out so well. 

Ernest alone appeared to take no part in the gen- 
eral delight, and while Fritz and Jack were enjoying 
their booty, they joked him upon the heroism he had 
shown with no little sarcasm. 

Upon this he looked serious, uttered a sigh, and re- 
garded the summit of the palms with a meditative air. 
At last, turning to me, he requested the loan of half a 
cocoanut-shell for a drinking-cup. Then he rose from 
the ground on which he had been lying, and exclaimed, 
233 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Honored sirs and madame! I confess tliat climb- 
ing trees is not to my taste, yet as I perceive it has 
brought to my brothers great honor, I must endeavor 
to perform this marvelous exploit; and I hope to ob- 
tain, by so doing, something quite as agreeable and of 
equal value to the cocoanuts procured by my illustrious 
brothers.’’ 

“Bravo! bravo!” I cried. “It is right that you 
should not be behind your brothers in energy. I am 
glad to see you roused, Ernest;” and as I spoke, I 
bound the shark ’s-skin pads to his arms and knees, 
while he slung the cocoanut-shell to the buttonhole of 
his waistcoat. He hardly gave me time to arrange 
the pads properly, before he started forward, and com- 
menced climbing one of the smaller trees with such 
rapidity, that he was at the top before I could believe 
it possible. 

A smothered burst of laughter from Fritz and Jack 
startled me: they had discovered that Ernest was 
climbing a tree on which grew no fruit. 

Ernest heard the laugh with indifference, and mount- 
ing to the very top, he took his ax from his girdle, and 
with one or two strokes cut off the large delicately- 
formed leaves from the crown ; and as they fell at our 
feet, we turned aside to avoid them. 

‘ ‘ Destructive boy ! ’ ’ exclaimed his mother ; “in a fit 
of revenge at finding no fruit, he has destroyed a beau- 
tiful palm-tree.” 

“Do not be displeased, mamma,” said Ernest, from 
the tree, “I have thrown down to you a beautiful palm- 
cabbage, twenty times more pleasant to eat than cocoa- 
nuts. This tree is the vegetable palm.” 

“A cabbage!” exclaimed Frank; “I thought cab- 
bages grew on a little stalk close to the ground. They 
do in Switzerland.” 

“The boy is right,” I exclaimed, as I examined a 
leaf: “this is truly the vegetable palm, which is con- 
234 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sidered very wholesome for food, both in Europe and 
India. It grows on the top of the tree and is most 
pleasant eating. Ernest, from his love of reading, has 
made a discovery quite unknown to his wise and mock- 
ing brothers. ’ ’ 

Meanwhile the boy still sat calmly in the tree, sur- 
rounded by leaves and branches, so that we could not 
exactly see what he was about. 

Suddenly he began to descend to the ground, and in 
a few moments presented himself before his mother 
and myself, with a small flask sticking out of his pocket. 
Drawing it forth, he poured some of the contents into 
the empty cocoanut-shell that hung from a button of 
his jacket, and presenting it to me, said, 

^^Here, papa, taste that! I hope you will like it, for 
I know it is good, and will not make you tipsy, although 
it is palm wine.’’ 

I quickly recalled what I had read of this tree, and 
taking the shell from the boy’s hand, I exclaimed, 

‘‘You are right, Ernest, the vegetable palm produces 
also a pleasant-tasting and agreeable sap, and I 
drink to your health and the success of your discov- 
ery. ’ ’ 

Hereupon I took a good draught from the well-filled 
shell, and found it so refreshing, that I immediately 
passed it to the mother, for I knew there would soon 
be not a drop left, when it got into the hands of the 
boys. There was enough, however, for all to have a 
taste, and Fritz and Jack readily acknowledged that 
Ernest had proved himself, by his application of what 
he had read on natural history, as much a hero as 
themselves. 

As the day was now far advanced, we resolved to re- 
main for the night in this charming spot, and to build 
a little cabin of branches and leaves to protect our- 
selves from the cold wind and the dew. 

I had fortunately brought with me a piece of sail- 

235 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


cloth, with which we could cover our little hut, and pro- 
tect it more securely from the night air. 

While thus busily engaged, and near the completion 
of our hut, we were agitated and startled by the ex- 
traordinary behavior of the ass. He was grazing 
peacefully near the spot, when he suddenly began to 
spring and leap, raising his nose in the air as if he were 
in the midst of fire and flame, then uttering a dreadful 
he-haw^ he started off at full gallop. 

Unfortunately, at this moment the two dogs were 
absent, wandering in the grove of sugar-canes, so that 
the ass disappeared amidst the bamboo-bushes before 
we could send them to bring him back. 

For a long distance we followed in his track with the 
dogs on foot, but so quickly had he disappeared, that 
we were obliged to give up all further search as hope- 
less till the morrow. This circumstance, however, 
alarmed us greatly, as we could only suppose that the 
approach of some wild beasts had roused the poor ani- 
maPs excitement. I determined, therefore, that after 
gathering dry grass and moss for our beds, large fires 
and torches should be lighted to surround our cabin. 
These torches were easily made of dry sugar-canes, 
about five or six feet long, which gave a brilliant light, 
and would continue burning for many hours. 

About a dozen of these were planted at a distance of 
five or six feet in front and on each side of the entrance 
to our hut, and a fire lighted within the space for my 
wife to prepare our supper. The cool night air ren- 
dered this fire very agreeable, and we were glad to sit 
near it and warm ourselves. 

After supper, we laid ourselves down on the soft 
beds of grass and moss which the boys had collected, 
with loaded guns close at hand in case of danger. My 
wife and the boys, overcome with fatigue, were soon 
asleep, and for a time I kept awake to replenish the 
fire and keep the torches lighted; but as hour after 
236 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


hour passed, and no wild beasts appeared to disturb 
us, I gradually^sank into a refreshing sleep, and did 
not wak^till the mother announced that breakfast was 
ready. 

During this meal we laid out our plans for the day’s 
work. I had hoped that the night fires and lights would 
have attracted the donkey to return ; but as he did not 
appear, I resolved to take one of the boys and the two 
dogs, and search for the fugitive through the bamboo 
grove, and, at all events, return to the hut before even- 

ing. 

This time I chose Jack for my companion, to his great 
delight, and as the dogs were to go with me, I left the 
elder boys to protect their mother and little Frank, and 
also to employ themselves in collecting sugar-canes, 
palm wine, and cocoanuts, that we might all return to 
Falcon’s Nest the following day. 

Jack waited for me in joyful readiness, and we set 
out well provided with arms and provisions, and at 
once entered the grove of bamboo canes, in which for 
a long distance, with the help of the dogs, we were able 
to follow the donkey’s track. Jack and I reached 
after a time the shores of a large bay, into which a 
pleasant river flowed, the promontory to our right 
forming, with some little breaks, the boundary of the 
river, by a narrow ridge of rocks, low enough for an 
animal to leap over. 

I thought it possible, as we had lost all trace of the 
ass’s feet, that he might have passed over these rocks, 
and this, added to the hope of finding something new 
and important beyond them, determined me to follow 
in his supposed track, and as it was low water, discover 
his footseps on the sand. 

We climbed the rocky cliffs, and found, on reaching 
the other side, a rushing river to the left, which over- 
flowed its banks. The bed of this river was here so 
deep, and the rush of its waters so rapid, that we had 
237 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


great difficulty in finding a place wMcli we could ven- 
ture to wade through. We happily succeeded at last, 
and reached the opposite shore in safety. 

On reaching the sands, I noticed with pleasure the 
print of hoofs on the moist ground. Presently I ob- 
served that these marks became more numerous, and, 
to my astonishment, that some were larger than oth- 
ers, and of a different shape. 

We followed these hoof-prints curiously in the di- 
rection they indicated. 

The little chain of rocks ended after a time, and left 
open before us a rich and fertile plain, with hills in 
the background. Here and there appeared tiny for- 
ests, verdant meadows, fruitful fields, — all presenting 
a smiling picture of repose. 

Quite in the distance, I imagined I could discern a 
herd of some kind of animals ; but whether they were 
cows or horses, or wild or tame, it was impossible to 
decide. In the grass all traces of the'hoofs of the ass 
were lost; but I would not quite give up hope, so I re- 
solved to approach these unknown animals as closely 
as possible, without being noticed by them, and find out 
if the fugitive was in their company. As they moved 
forward grazing on the borders of the river, we fol- 
lowed them, hoping to be concealed by the grove of 
canes through which we passed. We came, however, 
Ijresently, to marshy ground, and here the canes were 
remarkably thick and high, and the largest 1 had ever 
before seen. They appeared to be a species of bam- 
boo which is a native of America. The stems were as 
thick as a man’s leg, and apparently from thirty to 
forty feet high. The hollow of a single joint, from one 
knot to another, appeared large enough to hold as much 
liquid as a small cask, and the whole cane suitable for 
the mast of a small boat. 

At last, after struggling through this wonderful cane 
grove, we came suddenly upon a heard of buffaloes, 
238 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


grazing within a distance of about thirty or forty paces. 
Although their number was small, yet their appearance 
was so terrible, that I realized in a moment our dan- 
gerous position, and my alarm deprived me so com- 
pletely of my usual presence of mind, that I forgot to 
load my gun. 

Fortunately the dogs were within call, and the buf- 
faloes seemed so unaccustomed to the sight of human 
beings, that they merely stood still and stared at us 
wonderingly, and appeared not in the least inclined to 
attack us or defend themselves. 

This circumstance no doubt saved our lives, for we 
had time to load our guns, and to draw back a little, 
as I had no wish for an alfray with such formidable 
beasts. We were about to retire cautiously and pru- 
dently, when the dogs unfortunately reached the spot, 
and were seen by the butfaloes. 

In an instant the frightful animals began to bellow, 
paw the ground with their feet, and lower their horned 
heads as if in preparation for an attack. I saw in a 
moment, with a shudder, that they were about to throw 
themselves upon the dogs, who were so fearless of 
danger, that we in vain endeavored with all our power 
to hold them back. All to no purpose, for they threw 
themselves boldly upon a young buffalo that was about 
half a dozen paces in advance of the others, and seizing 
it by the ears, dragged it towards us. 

A combat became now absolutely necessary, for we 
could not allow our brave defenders to be overpowered ; 
and with beating hearts Jack and I raised our guns and 
fired. 

The noise, the flash, and the smoke were like a thun- 
der-clap to the terrified beasts, and to our great joy 
they turned and fled with wonderful rapidity, and dis- 
appeared. One only remained, a female, and evidently 
the mother of the young buffalo which our dogs had 
seized. 


239 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


She had been wounded by the shot from my gun, and 
the pain made her so furious, that she lost all fear, 
and, in her eagerness to save her calf, threw herself 
upon the dogs, whose fate would have been sealed had 
I not quickly raised my gun, and with a second shot 
brought her to the ground. I was then able to approach 
more closely, and with my pistol put an end to her life. 

After this I felt able to breathe again, for we had 
been indeed near death, and eagerly I praised Jack 
for his presence of mind, and for being so ready with 
his gun. Yet we had still work before us, for the young 
buffalo struggled violently, and fought with his feet 
so fiercely, that I feared he would injure the dogs, — 
and yet I knew not how to help them. 

Jack, however, was ready with his sling; he drew it 
from his pocket, and swung it so skillfully round the 
animaPs hind legs, that he fell to the ground, and we 
were then able to approach nearer, and tie them to- 
gether firmly enough to prevent him from moving, and 
also to release his ears from the hold of the dogs. 

There was now but one way in which we could hope 
to lead our captive home, — for I hoped to tame him 
after a time, as he was evidently very young. I felt 
unwilling to give him pain, indeed the act seemed cruel, 
and I regretted being obliged to do it, although it is 
still practiced in Italy and other countries where oxen 
are used as beasts of burden. 

I made the dogs hold down his head, while with a 
sharp penknife I pierced a hole through the nostril, and 
passed a string through it to form a leading-rein. It 
bled a little, which took away slightly the animal’s 
strength ; and at last I drove away the dogs, untied his 
legs, and set him at liberty, still holding the leading- 
rein. He attempted at first to escape, but the pain 
caused by the string in his nostril checked him, and at 
length he allowed himself to be led, and even followed 
me in the most docile manner. 

240 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Before we left, I was anxious to make some use of 
the dead buffalo, and to carry away portions of the 
flesh, not forgetting to cut out the tongue, which, when 
salted, is considered a great delicacy. 

Some portions we laid in the sun to dry, while we 
rested beneath the shade of the bamboo grove and took 
a slight refreshment. I then gathered up as much as 
we could carry of the buffalo, and left the rest for the 
dogs, who fell upon it with eager appetite. 

But their feast was soon interrupted by a flock of vul- 
tures and other birds, who approached from all points, 
and struggled with our dogs for the prey ; but as neither 
one side nor the other would give way, they all com- 
menced eating together with extraordinary voracity. 
I recognized among the birds the royal vulture and 
the condor, so called on account of the strange out- 
growth on the upper part of his beak. Altogether it 
was a strange sight to see them fighting for the prey, 
and caused us great amusement. Jack, however, was 
longing to send a few shots amongst them; but I re- 
strained him, for I knew that birds that fed on carrion 
were not good for food. 

I now became anxious to reach home safely with the 
supply of flesh for our dinner ; our dogs having feasted, 
left the birds to their greedy work. I therefore cut 
a few of the smallest canes to form molds for the wax 
candles, and set out to return home. The poor buf- 
falo, to avoid the movement of the cord in his nostrils, 
which gave him pain, followed us so tamely, that we 
were aWe at last to lay our booty on his back, and after 
a little trouble induce him to carry it without opposi- 
tion. 

It was too late now to search farther for the ass, so 
we proceeded straight towards the palm grove, where 
the mother and the three boys were no doubt expect- 
ing us, and wondering at our long absence. 


241 


CHAPTER XX 


THE BABY JACKAL 

B ut before we reached the palm grove, we met with 
another adventure, which must be related. Not 
long after leaving the bamboo grove, we again passed 
between the river and the ridge of rocks, and came 
upon a narrow defile. 

All at once a jackal started out of its hole in front 
of us, but, on perceiving our approach, turned to fly. 
Our dogs, however, pursued it with such vigor, that it 
could only regain its hole after a regular fight with 
them. 

The courage of the animal convinced me that it was 
a mother defending her young. Jack was determined 
to find the hidden nest; but fearing that he would be 
attacked by the male, I restrained the ardor of the little 
man, and fired my pistol in the direction taken by the 
jackal. Nothing appeared, however, and I then al- 
lowed Jack, whom the dogs followed with great curios- 
ity, to creep into the dark corner, where reigned pro- 
found obscurity. 

In a few minutes he came upon a nest full of young 
jackals, apparently not more than ten or twelve days 
old, for their eyes were scarcely open. They were not 
larger than a kitten, and had such beautiful golden 
brown fur, that Jack took one in his arms, and brought 
it to me, asking if he might not carry it home and tame 
it, and perhaps, as he said, bring it up to follow him 
like a dog, and be useful in the chase. I readily agreed 
to this request, although I doubted his power of taming 
a creature so savage by nature. 

242 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


During this affair with the jackals, I had tied the 
young, buffalo to a tree, and on examining this tree 
attentively, I found that it was a dwarf vegetable palm, 
with sharp pointed leaves, which I considered, if 
planted at Zeltheim, would form an excellent hedge for 
our fortifications; so I determined to secure a few 
young shoots for that purpose. 

Leaving the river, we found our way back to the 
road, but night was approaching before we reached 
the palm grove, and we were received with shouts of 
joy by those who had been left behind in the morn- 
ing. 

Question after question had to be answered, when 
they saw our buffalo and the baby jackal, as well as 
the store of provisions we had brought. Jack de- 
scribed our adventures in a most spirited manner, and 
was listened to with such eager curiosity, that I had 
scarcely time before supper to ask what they had all 
been doing in our absence. 

They informed me at last that they had visited the 
promontory of False Hope, gathered wood for the 
night, made new torches, and positively cut down a 
large palm, which they believed to be the sago-palm. 

During their absence, however, the hut had been in- 
vaded by a troop of monkeys, which had drunk up all 
the palm wine from the calabash bowls, scattered the 
potatoes, stolen the cocoanuts, and so damaged the hut, 
that my young people on their return from the hill were 
more than an hour employed in repairing it. 

Fritz, however, with much pride, brought me his 
chief booty perched on his hand, a beautiful young 
bird of prey only half fiedged, which he had taken 
from a nest on the rocks at False Hope Point, dur- 
ing the absence of the parent birds. Although 
not fully fledged, I could see by the feathers that 
it was not the European eagle, but evidently be- 
longed to a species of that royal bird found on the 
243 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


coast of Malabar. As these birds are easily tamed, 
Fritz told me he hoped to train him as a hawk, to bring 
down birds in the chase ; he, however, had been obliged 
to bandage the bird^s eyes with a handkerchief, and 
tie him with a string to a post, because he appeared so 
wild and shy. 

When all our recitals came to an end, it was time to 
light the fire, and as the green wood laid upon it caused 
a great smoke, I placed in it the pieces of the buffalo 
stuck upon a fork, that they might be smokedried to 
preserve them. 

As night approached, we attended to all the neces- 
sary preparations, and made up the fire, that our pieces 
of salted flesh might still continue in the smoke. The 
young bulfalo was fed with potatoes softened in milk, 
and, to our great satisfaction, the cow received him in 
a most friendly manner, when we tied him up near her. . 
Jack gave his little jackal some bread and milk, and 
the dogs having taken their posts as watchers, we 
lighted the torches, intending to wake at the proper 
time and re-light them if they went out. But on lay- 
ing ourselves down to rest, we were iji a short time too 
soundly asleep to be disturbed till sunrise by any such 
arrangement. 

After a light breakfast, I was about to give the signal 
for starting, when I observed that my young people had 
some project in their heads, which rendered thefn un- 
willing to leave so early. 

^‘What is this secret F’ I asked of my wife. - 

‘‘Welly” she replied, “the boys are anxious to re- 
move the pith from the fallen sago-palm before it is 
spoiled ; and Fritz fancies we could make of the trunk 
two pipes or channels, to conduct the water from the 
Jackal Bay to Zeltheim. This would enable us to water 
our plants in the dry weather, and be a great advantage 
to us.” 

This suggestion pleased me greatly. Ernest went 

244 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


out at once to search for water, while we made ready 
for our grand performance. 

We succeeded in placing the trunk of the palm upon 
two large boughs in a raised position, that we might 
more easily cut it. The whole crown had been already 
sawed off, and the wood not being hard, we soon 
reached the pith by dividing the stem lengthwise. The 
pith or sap was then carefully removed from each divi- 
sion, excepting a corner in the lower one, which I 
divided off to form a kind of trough, and into this I 
placed the whole of the pith, to be made into dough. 

The boys set up a great shout of joy, when I told 
them that we all, excepting the mother, must at once 
set to work, and knead the sago sap as dough is kneaded 
for making bread. , 

Immediately our shirt-sleeves were turned up, and 
after I had thrown water which Ernest had brought 
into the trough, we all commenced kneading like bakers ’ 
men, till we had produced paste of a proper consist- 
ency. 

This I pressed through the tobacco raspers upon a 
piece of cloth, which my wife had brought and laid on 
the ground ; and as the round grains fell through the 
holes of the graters, shb spread them out, that they 
might dry in the sun. 

We had now not only a good store of wholesome ma- 
terial for making nice puddings, but also a sufficient 
quantity rem^i^iing to be;kneaded into dough when we 
had any spare time. The next performance required 
immediate .attention; we had to convey the two halves 
of the trunk of the sago-tree to Tent-home,* and place 
them as channels or pipes, by which to bring water 
from the Jackal Eiver to our tent. 

This work required patience as well as activity, but 
with all our efforts we could not get the task com- 
pleted till after sunset. It was necessary, therefore, 

* Zeltheim, in English, Tent-home. 

245 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to remain for another night in onr wooden cabin, and 
when we at last gladly retired to rest, I determined to 
return to Falcon ^s Nest on the following morning. 

We rose early, and made an excellent breakfast from 
the sago grains which we had brought into the hut, 
and without loss of time made every preparation for 
carrying our newly-acquired possessions to Falcon- 
hurst.* 

I was glad to find the wound in the nostrils of the 
butfalo nearly healed, for I hoped to harness him to 
our little carriage, in the place of the ass, with the cow. 
He submitted without resistance, and when I went be- 
fore, and led him by the string through his nose, I was 
thankful to see that the poor animal was already 
brought into subjection, and performed his task will- 
ingly. In our way we passed the places where we had 
left the sack of wax berries and the calabash cups con- 
taining the gum from the india-rubber tree : these had 
to be stowed away in the cart, and detained us so long, 
that I sent Fritz and Jack on before with one of the 
dogs. They went quickly forward, and were seen to 
enter a grove of guava-trees at a little distance in ad- 
vance of us. 

Suddenly a most terrible noise reached our ears, 
causing great alarm, for having lost sight of Jack and 
Fritz, we believed nothing less than that a tiger or a 
panther was attacking them. I therefore with great 
caution, made ready my weapons, and flew to the as- 
sistance of my children, fully prepared to join in the 
bloody combat which I supposed was going on in the 
thicket. 

On arriving at the spot, what was my surprise to 
see J ack lying at full length on the ground between the 
shrubs. On seeing me he exclaimed, 

‘ ‘ Oh, papa, how absurd ! It is our old sow again ; she 

* Palconhurst, in English, Falcon's Nest. The translator uses some- 
times the German words and sometimes the English. 

246 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


must do it on purpose to make fools of us. We won- 
dered what the dog was barking at, and now look 
here!’’ 

Half inclined to be angry, and half amused, I heard 
the familiar grunting, and stepped among the bushes. 
There, sure enough, lay our sow, looking very happy, 
with six or seven little pigs seemingly a few days 
old. 

This was a very agreeable sight, especially after my 
alarm, and the sow herself seemed to understand that 
I was pleased, for she saluted me with a friendly grunt, 
and appeared not only to recognize us, but as if willing 
in her joy to follow us with her young brood. 

As, however, the little ones were so young, I decided 
that we would leave them with the mother, and at a 
future time fetch two of them to be brought up at Fal- 
con’s Nest. The old sow and the rest must be left to 
their fate; to take them now would be impossible, be- 
cause of the injury they would certainly do to our young 
plantations. 

We left with her some potatoes, acorns, and biscuits, 
and continuing our homeward journey without further 
interruption, reached Falconhurst in safety. 

Our first care was to arrange for the newly-arrived 
guests. The young buffalo and the little jackal we were 
still obliged to tie up, and even the stately eagle was 
condemned to the same hard fate. Fritz gave him a 
place on a fig-tree root not far from the parrot, who 
was still tied by the leg; but, rather thoughtlessly, 
Fritz had given the eagle a long string, which enabled 
him to move to a great distance, and then unfortunately 
uncovered his eyes. 

In a moment the bird became wild and furious : 
his aspect changed so terribly, that our domestic ani- 
mals fled from his presence ; but the poor parrot, who 
stood near and could not escape, was devoured before 
we could prevent it. 


247 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Fritz in Ms anger would have killed the bird at once, 
had not Ernest prayed for his life to be spared. 

‘‘Give me your eagle, he exclaimed; “I will bring 
him up to be as tractable and tame as a little dog. ’ ’ 

Fritz, however, would not give up his eagle, but he 
promised to make Ernest a present of Master ISIip, the 
monkey, if he would tell him how to tame the eagle. 

“I accept the oifer,’^ replied Ernest; “but I am not 
quite sure that it will succeed with an eagle as it does 
with parrots in America. However, you can try. 
Light a pipe, and blow some of the tobacco-smoke up 
his nose till he is giddy and intoxicated: his wild and 
savage nature will he calmed from that moment.” 

Fritz laughed incredulously, but Ernest persuaded 
him that at least it was worth a trial, so at last a pipe 
and tobacco were fetched from the officer’s chest, and 
Fritz placed himself in front of the bird, and smoked 
such puffs under his nostrils, that he became completely 
stupefied and stood immovable on his perch. 

From that day the fierceness of the eagle vanished, 
and he grew by degrees so tame, that even the domes- 
tic animals lost all fear of him. 

Quite ashamed of his doubts, Fritz gave the monkey 
to his brother, and I believe he began to respect the hoy 
who knew so well how to put in practice what he had 
read. 

The next morning I rose early, with the intention of 
carrying out the project so long decided upon, namely, 
to plant bamboo canes as a support to the young trees 
on the road from Falcon’s Nest to Zeltheim. 

I and the three boys started with our little carriage 
well loaded with bamboo canes, and a handspike, to 
make a hole in the earth. We left the mother and lit- 
tle Frank at home, to prepare us a good dinner, and to 
have the wax berries melted in readiness for the manu- 
facture of more candles. 

This time I left the young buffalo behind, for I wished 

248 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the wound in his nostrils to be quite healed before I 
made him work again. Besides, the cow was strong 
enough to draw the cart with all we required to-day. 
So before we started, I gave the buffalo a handful of 
salt, to win his confidence, which so pleased him, that 
the poor animal became quite tame, and seemed ready 
to follow us like a dog. 

Our work began, almost as soon as we left Falcon’s 
Nest, at the entrance to the road to Zeltheim, with the 
walnut, chestnut, and cherry-trees. These had been 
planted in rows, and were already much bent and 
curved by the wind. 

I, being the strongest, dug holes in the ground with 
the handspike, and in these holes the boys placed a 
bamboo cane by each tree, and tied it, as a prop to the 
delicate stem, with a sort of fibrous leaf, which I took 
for bast. While thus engaged, the conversation nat- 
urally turned to the best manner of raising trees, and 
the boys overwhelmed me with questions, to which I 
could not always give correct answers. 

‘‘Are the trees that you have planted here, wild or 
tame, papa?” asked Fritz. 

“Ha! ha! ha!” laughed Jack. “Just as if people 
could tame trees as they can buffalo calves and bus- 
tards!” 

“You are very clever. Master Jack,” replied Fritz; 
“but all wild creatures should be tamed, and mocking- 
birds like you require a ring through the nose, like the 
buffalo ! ’ ’ 

“Now that is too bad!” said Ernest. 

“Be it known to you, most learned people,” I ex- 
claimed, “that Fritz asked me a correct question, but 
he did not use the right terms: he should have said 
‘wild and cultivated plants,’ not ‘wild and tame/ Wild 
plants are such as grow without care or attention from 
man, and are indigenous to the soil. Those which are 
not indigenous require training and care, and some- 
249 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


times will not grow at all in other countries than their 
own, excepting in conservatories or hothouses. Few 
living creatures exist that cannot be tamed in some 
way; and amongst human beings, even those we call 
wild or savage are clever by nature, and possess minds 
which can be improved by instruction, as plants are by 
cultivation or grafting. ’ ’ 

‘‘Wliat is grafting?’^ asked Fritz. 

Grafting,^’ I replied, “is performed by inserting a 
little twig of a superior sort on the stem of a tree that 
grows wild. Grafting takes place in those knots or 
boles which lie between the bark and the wood. They 
are often called eyes, and can be seen plainly in tim- 
ber. In all cases of grafting this knot is used, and the 
new twig attached to it. They then grow together, 
and better fruit is produced.’^ 

“That is very wonderful,’^ remarked Ernest. “But 
where do people get the branches of good trees to graft 
on the wild ones ’ 

^ ^ Those we call in our home superior trees, grow wild 
in some climates,’’ I replied, “because the earth and 
the air are purer and richer. Many of the most valua- 
ble fruit-trees of Northern Europe grow without cul- 
tivation in the south of Europe and Asia, and others 
in more distant parts of the world. For instance, crab- 
apples grew wild in England in the time of the Eomans, 
and in that country no other fruit was known then but 
common nuts, crab-apples, and blackberries. By graft- 
ing from foreign trees on the crab, and also on the 
common nut and blackberry, most of the beautiful ap- 
ples, filberts, strawberries, and raspberries have been 
produced. It is the same in our country. Some fruit- 
trees grow naturally; others are either produced by 
grafting, or are brought from abroad and planted in 
suitable ground. Again, in cold lands the trees that 
grow in tropical heat could not be raised. Yet several 
plants, trees, and flowers which Father Noah no doubt 
250 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


cultivated were natives of Egypt, Greece, and other 
parts of Southern Europe. We know that grapes grew 
in these countries, because of the fabulous god Bac- 
chus, who was called the God of Wine. Italy, no doubt, 
received these fruits from Greece; and they were 
brought in later years by the Eomans into Gaul, Spain, 
and Germany, and through these countries into our 
own Switzerland and England. 

‘‘Can you tell us, papa,’’ asked Ernest, “where all 
the different fruit-trees came from?” 

“I think I can give you the names of a few trees. 
Walnuts came originally from Persia, and hazel-nuts 
from Pontus in Asia.” 

“But cherries, papa,” interrupted Jack. “I have 
seen plenty of them growing at home in Switzerland. 
I hope they may be natives of Europe, and perhaps of 
our own country. ’ ’ 

“No, my boy,” I replied. “Those you have seen 
growing at home have been brought from other lands. 
They are named cherries after Cerasus, a state of Pon- 
tus in Asia, from which place they were first imported ; 
and, if I remember rightly, they were brought into 
Europe by the Eoman General Lucullus after the siege 
of Pontus, seventy years before Christ. ’ ’ 

While thus conversing, we still made great progress, 
and reached the end of our fruit-tree avenue very 
quickly. After crossing the bridge over the Jackal 
Eiver, we entered the plantation of our southern fruit- 
trees, which I also wished to strengthen by placing 
bamboo canes as a support. 

Here had been planted lemons, pomegranates, pis- 
tacio-nuts, mulberries, pines, and other tempting fruit- 
trees, the sight of which made us long for the time when 
they would bear fruit. 

“What a beautiful land that must be,” remarked 
Fritz, “where such delicious fruit is so plentiful and 
cheap.” 

251 


( 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘The fruit of every land is beautiful/’ I replied, 
“only where there is plenty of it, we are apt to call it 
common; but to the inhabitants of other lands this is 
not the case. Besides, the climate and temperature 
differ greatly in various parts of the world, and trees 
and plants require certain kinds of soil to make them 
grow. The fruit-trees we have planted here will no 
doubt flourish, for this island is evidently within the 
tropics, and these trees are nearly all natives of South- 
ern Europe or tropical climates. Pines grow in 
France, Spain, and Italy ; olives in Armenia, Palestine, 
and other countries bordering the Mediterranean. 
Figs are produced in many southern countries, but 
they came originally from the island of Chios, in the 
Grecian Archipelago; peaches and apricots from Per- 
sia ; plums from Damascus, in Syria ; pears of different 
kinds from Greece. All these trees have been brought 
to great perfection in our own country, as well as in 
others which lie farther north.” 

“But, papa,” exclaimed Jack, “what about apples? 
They seem to be natives of Germany and Switzerland, 
they are so common. IVe eaten lots of apples at 
home.” 

“I can well believe that,” I replied, laughing; “but 
they also came originally from foreign lands, and ap- 
ple-trees are found even in the cold climates of North- 
ern Europe and Asia. No fruit is more likely to be im- 
proved by cultivation than the apple ; and in countries 
where they obtain proper soil, pure air, and sunlight, 
they are brought to great perfection. Grapes also, of 
every kind, grow in the open air in the south of Europe 
and Asia, and are, perhaps, of the finest and richest 
quality in Spain and Portugal, as from these countries 
we obtain our best wines. Mulberries grow in Asia 
and the islands of Greece. Silkworms, that spin that 
beautiful web of silk from which silk dresses, ribbons, 
satin, velvet, and other expensive articles are made, 
252 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


feed upon the leaves of the mulberry-tree, and these 
leaves appear, indeed, to be their natural and proper 
food/; 

While thus conversing, we were not idle, yet our work 
was not finished till nearly noon, and we returned to 
Falcon ^s Nest as hungry as wolves, just as the mother 
had prepared for us a most excellent dinner, consisting 
chiefly of the cabbage-palm. 

We dined with good appetites, and while resting 
afterwards in great comfort, I took the opportunity of 
speaking on the subject which had occupied my mind 
and the mother’s for some considerable time. 

We had often found it difficult, and even dangerous, 
to mount to our sleeping-chamber, and to descend by 
means of the rope-ladder. An accident I knew might 
easily happen, for the boys often mounted recklessly, 
and for ourselves, a single false step might cause us 
to fall. 

After thinking and talking over the matter for some 
time, I conjectured that a wooden staircase might be 
contrived, even in the interior of the large trunk of our 
tree. 

‘‘Did you not tell me, wife,” I said, “that in the 
trunk of this tree you had discovered a hole through 
which bees were passing in and out, to and from a nest 
inside I” 

“Yes,” she replied, “and it is evidently hollow be- 
yond the point at which I have seen the bees enter. If 
it is hollow to the foot of the tree, it will help you 
greatly to carry out your project.” 

This idea of a staircase so excited the boys, that they 
sprang and danced round the tree, and climbed like 
squirrels as high as they could reach to examine the 
hole, and to discover by the sound how far down the 
cavity extended, by knocking against the trunk with 
ax and hammer. But this daring performance cost 
them dear; the noise so disturbed the bees, that a 
253 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


swarm of them rushed out, and furiously attacked the 
children with their stings. They rested in their hair, 
on their clothes, and even pursued them as they fled 
screaming in terror and pain ; and no one knows where 
they would have run to, had I not stopped them, while 
their mother laid cool moist earth on the wounds, and 
soothed the pain. 

J ack, who with his usual daring had been the first to 
reach the hole, was terribly stung, and his swelled and 
inflamed face was a piteous sight. 

Ernest, on the contrary, always slow in his move- 
ments, had only received one wound, for he had been 
the last to mount, and the first to descend in haste 
when the conflict commenced. 

Nearly an hour passed before the pain was suffi- 
ciently appeased to enable them to join in the more 
careful examination of the tree ; yet they were so full 
of resentment against the heroic bees, that they were 
quite prepared to assist in an attack upon their ene- 
mies, and I knew something must be done quickly, to 
prevent my young people from disturbing me in the 
night with their groans and complaints. 

While the still restless and angry bees were buzzing 
round the tree, I prepared certain materials with which 
I hoped to calm them without destroying them. I col- 
lected together tobacco, clay, a pipe, a knife, a hammer, 
and all I thought necessary. My first anxiety, how- 
ever, was to make for the bees a new beehive, and after 
finding a large calabash gourd, I flattened the lower 
half, that my beautiful little bee castle, when finished, 
might stand firmly on a piece of board which I intended 
to nail to a branch of the tree. I then cut a small 
arched opening in front, for a doorway, and having 
also made a straw roof to place over it, as a protec- 
tion against sunshine and rain, my beehive was com- 
plete. 

This work occupied more time than I had antici- 

254 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


pated ; I was, therefore, obliged to pat off the assault 
on the bees till the next morning. 

The impatience of the young people roused us all at 
an early hour, and I commenced my undertaking by 
stopping up the hole in the tree, through which the bees 
passed in and out, with moist clay, only leaving room 
for me to introduce my piece of hollow cane, which was 
to serve as a tobacco-pipe. I then covered my head 
with a piece of linen, and as the humming and buzzing 
around me went on like a storm and a whirlwind, I 
commenced smoking the tobacco. 

Gradually the noise ceased, and after awhile, when 
all was still, Fritz climbed to my side with chisel and 
ax, and we began carefully and hastily to cut away 
a portion of the tree about three feet square, excepting 
at one corner, by which I allowed it to adhere, while I 
again smoked both inside and outside the tree, till the 
whole of the bees fell stupefied to the earth. The piece 
of the tree which had been cut away was then removed, 
and when through the opening the light entered, I dis- 
covered that the trunk was hollow from the ground to 
the floor of our sleeping-chamber on the branches. 

We were filled with astonishment as the light re- 
vealed the beautiful work of the bees just within the 
tree, and overjoyed at finding such a large store of 
wax and honey near the opening, for which, however, 
we could scarcely find bowls and basins sufficient. 

I had separated the honeycomb which clung to the 
inside of the tree, when, hearing a humming noise, I 
looked around me, and discovered that the air had re- 
stored a few of the bees outside, and that they were 
buzzing round the calabash bowls which contained the 
honey. 

On seeing this I hastily descended, cleaned out a lit- 
tle cask, in which I placed all the wax and honey we 
had found, fastened it firmly, rolled it away to a dis- 
tance, covered it with a sail-cloth and branches of trees 
255 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


full of leaf, that the bees might not be able to dis- 
cover it. 

I then mounted the rope ladder to our sleeping- 
chamber, and nailing a piece of board firmly to one 
of the branches, I placed my little hive upon it, covered 
it with the straw roof, and descended to enjoy with the 
rest a feast of tapioca cakes and honey. 

I reminded the boys, however, that the bees would 
not remain long in a state of stupor, and on their re- 
covery would have no pity for the robbers of their pre- 
cious store of honey, if the least drop was left to be 
discovered by them. This hint was enough, and the 
boys at once removed from the place all signs of honey 
with the greatest care. 

But to me another result of their recovery presented 
itself : no doubt they would wish to return to the old 
quarters; I must, therefore, hasten to prevent them 
from doing so. 

I took two handfuls of tobacco, and placed them on 
a little board covered with clay. I then climbed the 
tree, fixed the board horizontally in the hole I had cut, 
and set fire to the tobacco at dilferent points. In a 
few moments a cloud of smoke and vapor arose, which 
I hoped would drive back the bees from their old 
home, and leave us at liberty to occupy the hollow 
tree. 

My expectation was well founded. The bees, as soon 
as they recovered from their stupor, approached the 
tree in swarms to regain their former dwelling; but 
the fumes of tobacco drove them back, and before even- 
ing they had taken possession of their new hive in the 
tree, and appeared to consider it as their home. 

The honey-plunderers, therefore (myself and the 
boys), resolved to appropriate the interior of the tree 
to ourselves, and to examine it on the following morn- 
ing. We were also obliged to put off the preparation 
of the honey, for too many bees were still buzzing 
256 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


about to permit us even to touch our store until after 
sunset. 

We therefore rested for awhile, till the darkness and 
the cold air had driven the bees to their nest, and then 
began our work. 

After separating the honeycomb from the honey, it 
was thrown into a vessel of water, and placed over a 
slow fire, till the entire mass became a fluid. This was 
then poured into a clean coarse bag, and the water 
pressed from it. The honey and wax were then stood 
aside to cool during the night. 

In the morning, a large quantity of wax was found 
floating on the surface, which was easily removed. The 
pure honey remaining behind was carefully gathered 
up, placed in the cask with the rest, and the cask then 
buried in the ground. 

We had now a promise for the future of as much 
sweet good things as we could wish. 

As soon as this was accomplished, and before the 
warmth of the rising sun had awakened the bees, we 
proceeded without delay to inspect the hollow trunk of 
the tree, which I already imagined could be made so 
useful. 

The opening I had made was quite large enough for 
me to pass through, and I took with me a string, with 
a stone tied to the end of it, to enable me to measure 
the height and width of the cavity. I found, to my 
astonishment, that the tree was entirely hollow; and 
although great difficulties would arise, yet, with en- 
ergy and perseverance, a splendid staircase might be 
erected. 

I decided, therefore, at once to make a beginning 
of my building, rejoicing in the thought that the boys 
would have a new motive for activity, and add another 
to the many forms of instruction of various kinds 
which had been so lately presented to them. 

It was above all things necessary to begin by cutting 

257 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in the trunk, on the side facing the sea, an opening 
large enough to fit the door we had brought from the 
captain ^s cabin on the wreck, with all that was neces- 
sary to form an entrance, not only for ourselves, but 
our animals. 

I then, with the help of my boys, cleared away all 
the decayed wood that remained in the hollow trunk of 
the tree, and carefully cleaned the sides of the interior 
as far up as we could reach. In the center was placed, 
upright and firmly fixed in the ground, a strong beam, 
of ab^out a foot in thickness and ten or twelve feet high, 
around which I intended to fix my staircase in the 
form of a spiral line. On this beam I cut notches, to 
receive the ends of pieces of board, at a distance of 
half a foot from each other, and made incisions to re- 
ceive the other ends in the sides of the hollow tree 
directly opposite, and thus formed the supports for 
my winding stairs around the beam till they reached 
the top. 

The entrance-hole of the tree, which I had enlarged, 
formed now a window, and gave us sufficient light for 
our work. To this we added a second, as the steps 
rose higher. A third opening was made to enable us 
to reach our sleeping-room in the tree castle from the 
staircase without the trouble of climbing our rope lad- 
der. 

A second tree-stem was now introduced and fas- 
tened outside the steps, for us to hold by as we as- 
cended to our sleeping-apartment. My winding stairs 
were then complete, and if not exactly in accordance 
with the rules of architecture, yet, in our opinion, were 
most beautiful and useful. 

A few days after its commencement our dog Floss 
presented us with six pretty little pups. We could 
not, of course, afford to bring up so many, but we kept 
two — a male and a female. The rest were drowned. 
Strange to say, the mother allowed Jack to replace one 
258 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of them with the young jackal, which he had found 
great difficulty in feeding, and feared it would die. 
Poor old Flo made no objection, hut gave her milk to 
the stranger as kindly as to her own little ones. 

About this time, also, our goats had two little kids, 
and the sheep five lambs, which was a very pleasant 
addition to our flocks ; hut, fearing these useful animals 
might some day follow the example of the ass and leave 
our protection, we tied to the necks of the goat and the 
old sheep, little bells brought from the wreck, and 
which the captain intended to barter with the savages. 

We hoped, by means of the tinkling bells, to dis- 
cover if they were inclined to stray, and to prevent it, 
if possible; or, at least, if they did wander, to track 
them by the sound. 

The most important work I had in hand at this time, 
next to the staircase, had been the training of the 
young buffalo as a beast of burden, to supply the place 
of the ass. The wound in his nose was quite healed; 
and, by placing a small stick through the orifice, as 
the Hottentots do, I could guide and lead him as horses 
are led by a bit in their mouths. He had readily sub- 
mitted to be harnessed with the cow in drawing a load, 
but I wished also to teach him to carry things on his 
back as well as a rider. 

I began my process by throwing across his back a 
large piece of sail-cloth, and this I secured by a broad 
girth made of the skin of the dead buffalo ; then from 
time to time I bound various heavy articles upon the 
cloth; and when at last the basket, usually borne by 
the ass and fully loaded, was placed on his back,^ he 
performed his task willingly, to my great satisfaction. 
To accustom the animal to carry a rider, I hoisted 
Master Nip to that neck-breaking position as a first 
experiment. 

The animal was so light and so adroit in keeping his 
eat, that the springs and bounds of the buffalo could 
259 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


not throw him off. After awhile he got used to his 
rider, and then the boys, one after another, mounted 
him, and even little Frank was tempted to take a few 
lessons in riding while I held him on the buffalo ^s back ; 
and at last I considered that the boys might use the 
buffalo calf as a riding-horse without any great dan- 
ger. 

Fritz meanwhile had not neglected the training of 
his eagle. He fed him daily with dead birds, or little 
kids which he shot, sometimes, from between the wide- 
spreading horns of the buffalo, when he carried him on 
his shoulder while riding. He taught him also to bring 
down birds or other small prey, holding him in leash 
like a falcon, and always rewarding him with some of 
the game he caught. 

But while the eagle was becoming accustomed to 
his master, and had learnt to obey him, Fritz was 
afraid to give him his freedom, for his bite would have 
been dangerous, and he could not yet be trusted near 
the poultry-yard, for we of course expected him to 
follow the dictates of his nature. 

Ernest, notwithstanding his inactive disposition, en- 
deavored to train the little monkey which Fritz had 
given him, and to regulate his capricious movements, 
but with little success. However, with the help of 
Jack, Ernest constructed a small cane basket to fasten 
upon Nip^s back with a strap round his shoulders, but 
to this the restless animal at first greatly objected. 
However, partly by force, and partly by rewards of 
nuts or some other tempting morsel, Nip was con- 
quered, and would really carry a load that was, for 
him, rather heavy. 

’Midst all this Jack became anxious to train his 
jackal, to which he had given the name of Hunter. The 
little animal had grown very much since the old dog 
Flo took to him so kindly, and would play with the pup- 
pies in the most amusing manner ; they were sometimes 
260 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


joined in their games by Nip, till they grew too big and 
strong for him. 

Jack had given the name of Hunter to his jackal, 
hoping to make a pointer of him, and teach him to dis- 
cover the game without killing it; but for the first six 
months the animal made no progress, even after many 
attempts, yet Jack did not despair of success, and 
looked forward to the future very hopefully. 

While my boys were thus occupied, I had been also 
busily employed; indeed, there was always something 
that wanted attending to, and at our times of rest and 
recreation the mother generally took the opportunity 
of suggesting what was necessary to be done. 

In such like employments we all generally occupied 
two hours of the day, while building the spiral stair- 
case, when our undertaking would permit us to spare 
that time for rest or recreation. 

In the evenings we assembled together as usual in a 
loving family circle, and the mother would then sug- 
gest any needful or homely business that required at- 
tending to. Among other wants candle-making was 
very urgent, as our present store, which had lasted a 
long time, was nearly used up. 

Jack had proposed that in fabricating our next stock 
of candles we should use the hollow of a bamboo cane 
as a mold ; but it appeared to me not likely to answer 
in spite of its cleverness, for I felt convinced that in 
drawing the candle out of the mold I should injure it. 
I therefore determined to divide the hollow cane first, 
and after cleaning and greasing each with salt butter, 
place the wax inside the two halves. These being 
tightly bound together, and the joints outside stopped 
up, that the wax might not ooze out while in a liquid 
state, could be left till it became firm. 

Another difficulty, however, arose, for the mother 
was very unwilling to consent to the wicks being made 
of the threads of our cotton neckties, or sail-cloth; I 
261 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


decided, therefore, to try another experiment by which 
to save these nsefnl articles. I chose a piece of in- 
flammable wood from a tree which is a native of the 
Antilles, and called touchwood. This I intended to 
split into thin strips, fix them in the candle-molds, and 
pour the melted wax round them. 

But the mother had in the meantime thought of the 
karata-tree ; she at once drew out the threads from sev- 
eral leaves, cleaned and laid them to dry. Then plac- 
ing a sufficient number together to form a wick of the 
required thickness, she brought it to me with the hope 
that my touchwood by this would be beaten out of the 
field. 

With some satisfaction I promised to try the inven- 
tion. We had now all the means at hand for fire and 
candle-making, and we therefore set to work with great 
eagerness. I could also improve our candles greatly 
now by mixing beeswax with the wax-herries. This 
was placed as usual to melt over a slow fire. Each 
half of the candle-molds, after being dipped in cold 
water, was laid with the open part uppermost, that the 
melted wax might be poured in. They were then lifted 
carefully, bound together, and laid aside to grow firm. 
In a few hours we could remove the molds from our 
first experiment, and examine our candles with critical 
eyes. There was still another trial to make, that we 
might prove which answered best as a wick, the wood 
splinters, the karata threads, or the cotton. 

As by this time it was nearly dark, I lighted two of 
our newly made candles, each containing a wick of a dif- 
ferent material. The touchwood flamed strongly and 
gave a bright light, while the karata-thread wicks burnt 
feebly and seemed so ready to go out every moment, 
that for a time we gave the preference to the touch- 
wood. It was very soon, however, discovered that we 
could not hope to save our clothing or the sail-cloth, 
much as we wished to do so, it was too evident that cot- 
262 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ton as wicks to onr wax lights was the most suitable and 
useful. 

After completing this candle-making, I became anx- 
ious to try my skill and my inventive powers in a new 
and important undertaking, — the manufacture of boots 
and shoes from the india-rubber-tree sap, and I at 
once sent the boys for the vessels and hunting-flasks 
in which the caoutchouc had been stored when we vis- 
ited the wood and collected the sap. 

On their return I commenced operations by filling a 
pair of my old stockings with sand, and then covering 
them with a thin coating of clay, and to make the shape 
firm, laid them first in the shade and then in the sun to 
dry. After this I melted the caoutchouc and laid it over 
the stockings with a brush made of goat’s hair. As 
this hardened, I put on a second and a third coating, 
till it was of a proper thickness, and then hung up the 
stockings till the gum became quite hard and dry. 

Meanwhile I cut out a pair of soles of the size of my 
shoe from the buffalo’s skin, which I had beaten with 
a hammer to make it soft, and melting the india-rub- 
ber on the sole of each stocking, I fixed the skin soles 
to them, so that when dry they adhered quite closely. 
After leaving them for an hour in the cold air to be- 
come firm, I threw out the sand, and carefully sepa- 
rating the stocking from the caoutchouc, I produced 
a splendid pair of boots, of such a good shape that my 
boys begged me to make them each a pair as soon as 
possible, which I promised to do when other important 
matters were accomplished. 

One thing I was anxious should be completed, for the 
children often grew tired of fetching water from the 
river. 

The channels made from the trunk of the sago-tree, 
to conduct the water from the bay to Zeltheim, had 
long been laid down, and by lengthening these chan- 
nels, I found I could bring the water to Falcon’s Nest, 
263 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and use tlie shell of the turtle for a fountain, as we had 
long ago proposed. 

It was necessary, however, to have a support for the 
shell-fountain, and this was done by placing on the 
spot stones cemented together with lime, and raised 
to a proper height. When this was completed, I con- 
nected with the sago-palm water-pipes, a hollow cane, 
through which the water could flow into the shell. In 
front also was placed a calabash bowl, to receive the 
overflow of the water. 

Unfortunately our fountain, although all that we 
could wish, stood exposed to the sun’s rays, which made 
the water at times lukewarm ; still, we were in raptures 
over our performance. 

We consecrated the fountain with the water in which 
our potatoes had been boiled for supper, and the songs 
and frolics of the boys in their delight continued long 
after the usual hour of retiring to rest. 

And so every day brought its work : we had no time 
to be idle, nor to lament over our separation from our 
old home and the society of mankind. Each night we 
lay down to rest after our evening meal, and slept in 
peaceful contentment, after the toils of the day, that 
sleep which only health and active employment can 
secure. 


264 


CHAPTER XXI 
grizzle’s new friend 

O NE morning early, while busily engaged in com- 
pleting a handrail to the staircase, a strange and 
unusual sound was heard at a distance, something re- 
sembling the roar of a wild beast, yet I could form no 
opinion as to the animal from which the sounds is- 
sued. 

Our dogs, however, became restless, and seemed to 
whet their teeth in readiness for an attack upon the 
enemy. We also immediately set ourselves on the de- 
fensive, and at once mounting to our castle in the tree, 
loaded our guns ready for the charge. 

This strange roaring continued for some time, and 
at last I descended from our citadel and enticed our 
domestic animals nearer to us, that we might keep 
them in sight, and also arrayed our two faithful senti- 
nels in their prickly collars. 

Again mounting to the castle, I carefully scanned 
the surrounding country with a glass, to discover if 
possible our expected foe. 

The roaring re-commenced, and this time evidently 
nearer, so that I could distinguish a sort of panting 
sound, as of a creature out of breath. I decided at 
once, therefore, to descend with Fritz, and begged the 
rest of the boys to remain with their mother, and keep 
as still as possible. Our faithful dogs kept close at 
hand, watching and listening. 

As we stood thus in anxious expectation, the pe- 
culiar sounds came near enough to be distinguished by 
the sharp ears of Fritz. Suddenly casting aside his 
265 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


gun, he rushed forward, and bursting into a loud laugh, 
exclaimed, 

‘^Papa ! papa ! it is the donkey come back ! Poor old 
Grizzle! It is, truly; and he seems quite friendly/^ 

I felt almost at first inclined to be angry ; but follow- 
ing the direction taken by Fritz, I came upon the 
truant, who was, however, not alone. Another cry, 
something resembling the he-hatv of our donkey, but 
still different, sounded near him ; and the next moment 
I observed at a short distance an animal of the same 
race but of a far more graceful form, and almost as 
elegant in its movements as a horse. 

I recognized it at once as the onager, or wild ass, 
and immediately various means were suggested to my 
mind to enable me to make it my prisoner. 

Again warning my children not to make the least 
noise, I left the tree with Fritz, and crept cautiously 
towards the place where the animals had stopped to 
graze. Here I commenced my operations by tying a 
slip-knot in the end of a piece of cord, and fastening 
the other end to one of the roots of the tree. I then 
placed a small stick in the slip-knot, to keep it open, 
so that, when the rope was thrown over the head of 
the animal, it would close round his neck and make him 
a prisoner. 

In addition to this, I took a piece of bamboo cane 
about two feet long, which I split in two, and tied the 
pieces together crossways, nearer to one end than the 
other, to form in the smaller part a pair of pincers. 
To the upper ends I attached pieces of string, by 
which I could draw it together or loosen it as I pleased. 

Fritz watched the performance with great curiosity 
and no little impatience, as he could not discover the 
use of my work, and begged me at last to allow him to 
throw the lasso, and bring the animal more quickly 
into our power. But this time I would have nothing 
to do with Patagonian hunting, for I was very anxious 
266 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to secure this beautiful wild ass without alarming the 
creature. I therefore held the boy back till the stran- 
ger should approach a little closer; and in the mean- 
time I endeavored to explain to him the use of my own 
contrivance. 

While we talked in whispers, the unconscious ani- 
mals, grazing quietly, had wandered by degrees still 
nearer to us. With a caution to Fritz, I gave him the 
loop end of the rope, and taking the other end in my 
hand, advanced with slow and cautious steps as near 
to the wild ass as the length of the string would allow, 
Fritz following closely. 

The creature, who no doubt had never before seen 
the face of man, sprang a few steps back at our sud- 
den appearance, and stared at us in astonishment. 
However, as Fritz did not move, the stranger again 
began to graze quietly, and then the boy, knowing what 
attracted our own animals, gradually advanced nearer 
to our old friend Grizzle, and held out a handful of 
oats mixed mth salt. 

The ass did not hesitate a moment, but came forward 
eagerly to take the favorite fodder. 

The stranger, seeing this, also approached, raised 
his head, made a rattling ^ noise through his nose, 
scented the delicacy while still getting closer to it. At 
last, not being able to control his curiosity and his long- 
ing, he advanced to share the tempting morsels with his 
companion. 

Fritz at this moment quickly raised his hand, and, 
with great dexterity, threw the noose over the head 
and neck of the animal ; but the creature started back 
with such a bound, that the jerk caused by the pull of 
the rope threw him on the ground, and so tightened the 
noose round his neck, that our poor prisoner lay pant- 
ing for breath, with his tongue protruding, and nearly 
strangled. I rushed quickly to loosen the string, and 
instead of it threw over his head the halter belonging 
267 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to old Grizzle. I then placed on each side of his nose 
the lower ends of the split bamboo cane, with which, 
by pulling the strings at the upper ends, I could com- 
press the nostrils, to make him submit to my will, as 
farriers do while shoeing a restive horse.* After re- 
moving the noose from his neck, and tying two long 
pieces of rope to the strings which compressed the 
pincers on the left and right of the nostrils, I fastened 
the end of each to the nearest tree-roots, and left him 
between the roots to recover himself, and to see by his 
behavior whether anything more was necessary to 
overcome and tame him. 

Meanwhile, the rest of our house-folks had hastily 
descended from the tree, and stood, with wonder and 
delight, admiring the beautiful stranger. He was of 
a slighter build than the ass, and far superior in ap- 
pearance, yet the creature evidently partook of the na- 
ture both of the horse and the ass. 

Suddenly he sprang to his feet, with the evident de- 
termination to escape, but the pain caused by the pres- 
sure on his nostrils when he moved damped his activity, 
and he at last became so quiet, that I ventured to lead 
him gently beneath the sheltered tree-roots which 
formed for the present our stables. 

Here I tied him by a long string attached to the hal- 
ter, which gave him room to move about, and yet to be 
near us and in safety. 

Now that we had the ass again actually in our pos- 
session, I was anxious to secure the truant, so that he 
might not wander from us so easily in future. I there- 
fore placed him also in the stable, tied by a halter near 
to the wild ass, making old Grizzle a prisoner for a few 
days, as well as the onager, that they might become ac- 

* At the time this story was written, when farriers used this cruel 
instrument, few people had learned that not only horses, but other 
animals, can be managed more easily by kind and gentle treatment than 
by severity. 


268 


SWISS FAMILY ROBIN 


customed to each other. I also wished to 
to the fodder eaten by our domestic anim. 

My greatest anxiety, however, was, 
tame the newcomer, and teach him not 
heavy burdens, but also to take a ride 
This would cost us a great deal of troubLj 
and, indeed, after many efforts, I feart 
impossible to succeed, unless I adopted] 
seemed to me most cruel and repulsive — " 
mal in both ears. 

My wife, who pitied the poor creatur 
quired why I did so, and for what rea 

‘ ^ I will explain to you, ’ ^ I replied, ‘ ‘ 
from a horse-tamer who was well a 
success of this plan. He told me tl 
ica resides a race of uncivilized F 
with the natives for the skins and 
inhabit that cold region, and recei\ 
articles from Europe. These peoj 
hunting expeditions, especially in v 
southern region, often meet with tril 
which they make captive. But to tar 
easy. They at first are usually quit* 
and wildly refuse to receive on thei 
rider or a load. At last their capto 
adopt the plan of biting the ears ; and 
so wild and intractable, becomes tame, \ 
be guided or ridden at the will of his owne^ 
fleet horses the natives ride, through woods 
hedges, to the European settlements for a giv 
tance, and carry on their profitable trade in skii 
furs.’’ * 

* These furs and skins form now an important article of commt 
between America and most European countries. The traders with t 
natives are not uncivilized Europeans, as they may have been whe. 
this German story was written. We may hope, also, that horses art 
tamed now without the cruel and unpleasant necessity of being obliged 
to bite the ears. 


269 


S FAMILY ROBINSON 


;eks our visitor was so far conquered, that 
ridden with tolerable safety; but it was 
tie his fore feet loosely together with a 
might not use his natural swiftness in 
with his rider. I was obliged for a time 
imal, in consequence of having no proper 
but I managed to contrive a kind of 
h reins, by which the rider could himself 
i right or left, as he pleased. 

'me three of our hens presented us with 
ens, so that a swarm of nearly forty 
running and chirping around us in 

» our farmyard reminded me again 
contriving a more convenient place 
\ls and feathered folk, which we 
for. I felt more than ever anxious 
ase I expected the approach of the 
le winter in this region ; and to com- 
ng in time would be impossible, 
fore, to place a more substantial cov- 
rched roots of our tree, the space un- 
occupied by the animals and fowls as 
id sleeping-place. To do this we had 
canes, one across the other, over the 
, and fill up the crevices with moss and 
them firmly together. This covering 
ith a mixture of tar and lime-water, which 
roof firm, and being fiat, we could safely walk 

' long after this was completed we set out one 
ung to gather a store of potatoes, and on our way 
jk I proposed to the mother to return home alone 
ith little Frank, while I and the three elder boys con- 
inued our way to the oak wood to gather up a couple 
of bagfuls of sweet acorns. 

Ernest had with him his little monkey, and Fritz sat 

270 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


rider-like on the now quite tamed onager. We had not 
yet filled the sacks, and as I wanted to try whether 
the animal could be made to carry a load, I deter- 
mined to make the experiment with the two sacks of 
acorns. 

On arriving at the spot, we fastened the steed, which 
the boys had named Lightfoot on account of his swift- 
ness, to a tree, while we hastily gathered up the acorns 
and filled the bags. We had, however, scarcely fin- 
ished our work, when the ape with a sudden spring dis- 
appeared among the nearest bushes, and the next mo- 
ment, the frightened scream of a bird and the rush of 
flapping wings made us suppose that a great battle 
was going on with a dweller among the bushes which 
Master Nip had disturbed. Ernest, who stood nearest 
to the battle-field, suddenly exclaimed joyfully, 

“Papa ! here is a hen’s nest full of eggs ! The ape is 
struggling with her, but Fritz can take her prisoner 
while I hold Nip.” 

At these words Fritz started forward without delay, 
and rushing into the bushes, in a very short space of 
time reappeared, carrying in his arms a beautiful liv- 
ing female Canadian fowl, or “rufied grouse,” similar 
to the one he had shot. 

I was greatly pleased with this discovery, and helped 
the boy at once to bind the legs and wings of the bird 
together. Presently Ernest appeared coming out of 
the bushes with his girdle stuck full of leaves, sharp 
pointed like a dagger, which seemed to me to belong to 
a plant called the “sword lily.” 

The boy held out his hat to me, and exclaimed, 

“Look, papa! These are really the eggs of the Ca- 
nadian fowl. Won’t mamma be pleased?” 

“But those leaves, Ernest,” I said, “what are they 
for?” 

“Oh, I stuck them in here that I might carry them 
home for little Frank to play at soldiers with. They 
271 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


are just like swords and he will be able to pretend to 
fight and fence with them.’’ 

After finishing the work of filling up the sacks with 
acorns, I placed them gently on the onager’s back, and 
to my great satisfaction he received the load quietly. 
Fritz then swung himself up between them, and we 
turned our steps gladly homeward to Falcon’s Nest — 
Ernest with the precious eggs in his hat, while I had 
patiently undertaken to carry the Canadian bird. 

Great was the mother’s pleasure when we reached 
home with our treasures; and my wife managed the 
hen so cleverly, that she induced her to again sit on 
her eggs, and in a few days she presented us with fif- 
teen beautiful little Canadian chicks, to our great de- 
light. 

A few days after our return to Falcon’s Nest, little 
Frank was seated on the floor playing with the leaves 
of the sword lily plant, when Fritz passed by and 
said, 

‘‘Let me make you a whip, Franky, of these leaves, 
before they decay and become soft : it will help you to 
keep the sheep and goats in better order ; but you must 
split the leaves for me before I plait them.” 

As the two boys were thus employed, I passed by, 
and observed that the fibers of these leaves were tough 
and pliable, and allowed themselves to be twisted and 
bent with the greatest ease. I took a leaf in my hand 
to examine it more closely, and found that it consisted 
of long flexible fibers, joined to the stalk by a little 
green thread. 

I presently formed an opinion, yet not without some 
hesitation, that this so-called sword lily plant was no 
other than the New Zealand flax; and this discovery 
in our present position, would, I knew, be of unspeak- 
able value to us. 

I could not rest until I had mentioned the subject to 
my wife, although it was merely conjecture on my 
272 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


part; but she almost astonished me by falling into 
ecstasies over it, and exclaiming joyfully, 

‘ ‘ Oh, what a splendid discovery ! The best you have 
ever brought home. Please get me a leaf, that I may 
know what it is like. From this I can make stockings, 
shirts, and all sorts of wearing apparel, besides hav- 
ing as much thread and string as we require.’^ 

I could not avoid laughing at the mother’s enthusi- 
asm, and endeavored to moderate her zeal by pointing 
out that the leaves were not yet made into linen, neither 
had we enough for that purpose. 

Fritz and Jack, who were listening with great inter- 
est, suddenly and silently disappeared, and presently 
I saw them riding away quickly to the wood, one on 
the wild ass, and the other on the buffalo. 

In a short time we heard our riders approaching at 
a quick trot, and very soon they appeared, bearing be- 
fore them on their steeds, like foraging hussars, im- 
mense bundles of the flax-plant. Throwing themselves 
off with joyful shouts, they placed before their mother 
the flax-plant in abundance. 

‘‘You have done well,” I said, “in bringing your 
mother so much work, my boys, and in obeying her 
wishes ; but we must all help in preparing this flax, for 
a great deal is required to be done, and it must be 
steeped for some time.” 

“Steeped, papa?” said Fritz, “then we shall have to 
make a fire?” 

“No, my boy,” I answered; “flax-steeping does not 
require heat, but moisture. ’ ’ 

“But, papa, you said the flax must be roasted. How 
can that be done without fire?” 

I smiled as I replied, “Boasting meat before a fire, 
and steeping flax in water, are two very different per- 
formances, Fritz, although the same word denotes 
both.* Steeping is performed by placing hemp or flax- 

* Rosten is the German word for to roasts as well as Bosten, to steep, 

273 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


plants in water for a long time, until by degrees they 
decay, and the ditferent fibers separate; the wooden 
parts are then removed, and the tough and flexible 
threads, which do not decay so quickly, are made fit 
for spinning by tearing and breaking them with cer- 
tain tools and implements.’^ 

‘‘But why do not these threads decay,” asked Fritz, 
“as well as the other parts of the plants, if they are 
so long exposed to wind and weather?” 

“That might also easily occur,” I explained, “if 
people did not understand the steeping process prop- 
erly; but even then there would not be much danger 
of the fibers becoming rotten, like the rest of the plant. 
They possess a peculiar toughness or tenacity which 
resists the destructive influence of moisture ; the plant 
can, therefore, be placed in the water for a long time, 
with not the least danger to the useful fibers. It is not, 
however, of much consequence whether the flax is 
steeped in flowing or still water, so long as it is under 
the influence of the sun, the rain, or the dew. ’ ’ 

“I think, then,” remarked my wife, “that in a hot 
climate like this, it would be advisable to lay our 
flax to steep in the Flamingo Marsh, which is shel- 
tered. ’ ’ 

This proposal was approved by all, and early on the 
following morning the ass was harnessed to the little 
wagon, on which the bundles of flax were laid, while 
little Frank and Master Nip rode between them on the 
seat. Taking with us also spades and hatchets, we 
started eagerly for the spot which the mother had so 
cleverly selected for our work. 

On arriving at the marsh, the bundles of flax were 
divided into smaller portions, and laid in the water, 
with heavy stones upon them, that they might not rise 
to the surface. 

They are spelt and pronounced exactly the same, which accounts for 
the mistake of Fritz. 


274r 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We then left them to their fate, the mother remark- 
ing that the flax would be ready for drying in the sun, 
or by fire, as soon as the stalks, which were now steep- 
ing, became hard and brittle from decay. 

While engaged in this work, we had several oppor- 
tunities for observing, at various points of the marsh, 
the wonderful cleverness and skill with which the fla- 
mingoes build their nests. These nests are in the 
form of an inverted cone, with a blunted point fixed 
in the ground, the upper and broader part being raised 
above the level of the water. In this broad part a lit- 
tle hollow enclosure is formed, in which the eggs can 
lie safely and conveniently. Over this the mother bird 
places herself, standing in the water with her long legs, 
and covering the eggs with the under part of her body, 
which rests upon them. 

These cone-’shaped nests are formed of glutinous 
and sandy clay from the marsh, which hardens in the 
sun ; and they are so firm, in consequence, that the wa- 
ter can neither wash them away nor overturn them, 
till the hatching-time is over, and the young birds are 
old enough to go on the water themselves without dan- 
ger. 

We allowed the flax to remain in the water a fort- 
night, and then drew it out and spread it in the sun to 
dry. A single day accomplished this so thoroughly, 
that we were able to remove it in the cart to Falcon ^s 
Nest the same evening. , 

I however advised my wife to delay for a time her 
intention of spinning the flax, to assist the boys and 
myself in making preparations to meet the change of 
weather, and in laying in a store of provisions both for 
ourselves and the animals. 

We were already warned of the approaching rainy 
season by frequent showers ; the sky was covered with 
clouds, and the weather had changed from its usual 
warmth, and become cold and stormy, with violent 
275 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


winds. In fact, winter I knew might come upon us in 
a moment, without further warning. 

Our first care was to gather in a store of potatoes 
and manihot or cassava-roots, as plants which would 
keep easily, and afford us the most agreeable food. 
Cocoanuts and acorns also were not to be despised, nor 
the cassava cakes, which could be easily made, although 
we missed the bread made of the wheaten flour which 
grows in our Fatherland ; indeed, this had always been 
a terrible privation to us all. However, all the seeds 
of European corn that remained from the store in the 
mother ^s bag had been sown, in the hope that the rainy 
season would cause them to germinate quickly, and 
produce an abundant crop by the spring. 

We also expected that our large plantation of sugar- 
canes, and several different species of palm-trees, 
would be benefited by the rain. At present we had a 
store of preserved, half-cooked birds, dried fish, and 
flesh from the game shot by the boys, in addition to the 
denizens of our poultry-yard, which could be killed for 
food if necessary. 

The first storm came upon us before we had com- 
pleted our arrangements: the wind roared, and the 
rain fell in such torrents, that little Frank, with tears 
in his eyes, inquired if another Deluge was coming. 

These heavy rains made it impossible to remain in 
our sleeping-apartment, and we were all obliged to take 
refuge in the hollow trunk, with whatever provisions 
we could find that were not already spoiled. 

This homely dwelling was indeed crowded, and the 
floor so occupied by household goods, beds, and living 
creatures, that it was scarcely possible to move; and 
above all, the smell from the neighboring stables,, the 
lowing and clucking of the animals, and the horrible 
smoke when we attempted to light a fire, made our sit- 
uation at first almost unbearable. 

All these difficulties, however, were by degrees over- 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


come : tlie animals were removed to a greater distance 
under the tree-roots, and by piling up a number of our 
tools and other articles on the winding staircase, we 
made room enough for us to work during the day, and 
lie down at night with comfort. 

Cooking was dispensed with as much as possible, to 
spare us the tormenting smoke, even at the expense of 
hunger. Besides this, we were anxious to save our 
dried wood in case of colder weather coming upon us ; 
but we were thankful that, as yet, no severe cold trou- 
bled us. What we should do in frost or snow, I knew 
not. 

As evening of the first day came on, I and Fritz, in 
spite of the rain, had to search for the animals, and 
bring them to shelter under the arched roots, as well as 
to oMain for them the necessary food. 

We made ourselves as comfortable as we could for 
the night in our hollow tree ; but before I slept, I de- 
termined to discover some other means of passing 
through the winter in comfort, if the weather would 
clear up for a few days to enable me to venture out. 

But no change took place for nearly a week, and dur- 
ing that time we could only subsist on the acorns, co- 
coanuts, cold meat, and potatoes, that we had brought 
to our retreat. 

At present we had hay enough for the animals, and 
a stock of grain for the poultry; but I decided that 
when we were unable to supply them with sufficient 
food, they must be turned adrift to forage for them- 
selves, and we might also feed them now and then with 
what remained of the store of fodder. 

A slight change in the weather gladdened my heart, 
for I was now able to make some little improvements 
in our habitation, and with the help of Fritz bring in 
a store of provisions from Zeltheim. The animals 
being in the spaces under the arched roots, we had the 
hollow trunk of our tree all to ourselves, and by the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


time the rainy season set in we were becoming recon- 
ciled to our position. 

Fortunately the winter was not cold as well as wet, 
or we should have suffered terribly. Yet my wife con- 
sidered it necessary to contrive some outer covering 
to protect Fritz and myself from the rain, each time 
we made an excursion after the animals, or to obtain 
fresh stores from Zeltheim. 

She had found in one of the sailors ’ lockers two can- 
vas shirts, to which she sewed hoods to cover our heads. 
Over these she spread layers of caoutchouc, which ren- 
dered them completely waterproof, so that we could 
easily brave the rain without fear of getting wet. 

During our stay in this hollow tree as a refuge from 
the weather, we were still actively employed. We 
carefully fed and sheltered the cow, for her milk was 
our chief food. The boys took care of their pet ani- 
mals, and my wife employed herself with her needle, 
while I commenced a journal of the events which had 
occurred since the shipwreck, and the story of our lives 
in this foreign land. 

My wife and the boys readily helped me when my 
memory failed, and the questions and discussions that 
arose on the subject created great amusement. Fritz 
and Jack taught little Frank to read, hut my principal 
work during these dark wintry days consisted in mak- 
ing coarse and fine carding-combs for my wife to sep- 
arate and prepare the fiax for spinning. For this pur- 
pose I obtained from our stores a number of long nails, 
some finer than others; these I rounded at one end, 
and sharpened at the other with a file. For the coarse 
comb I took the thicker nails, as near as possible of 
the same size, and laid the rounded ends side by side 
on a strip of tin, about an inch broad, to form the up- 
per edge of the comb. I was careful to lay the nails 
in an unbroken row, and after pouring melted lead in 
the upper spaces between the nails to keep them firm 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in their places, folded the tin over it; the lower parts, 
and the sharp-pointed ends of the nails, forming the 
teeth of the comb. 

The fine comb I made in the same manner: they 
were each about four inches long, and quite strong 
enough to tear to pieces bushes of hemp or flax. 

My wife was eagerly anxious to make a first trial of 
the new machines, and constantly sighing for better 
weather, when it would be possible to light a fire, that 
she might dry the flax, and commence her first experi- 
ment in combing and spinning the newly discovered 
flax, and to satisfy her motherly heart in making clothes 
for the boys. 


CHAPTER XXII 

SPRING DAYS AND THE SALT CAVERN 

I T is impossible to describe our joy when, after so 
many long weeks of confinement and privation, we 
again gazed on the clear sky and the bright sunshine 
lighting up the face of nature. With joyful cries we 
escaped from our unhealthy prison to breathe the sweet 
fresh air, and refresh our longing eyes with a sight of 
the delicate green of budding spring and the lovely 
verdure of field and meadow. 

Nature had renewed her youth, and filled every liv- 
ing creature with gladness and joy. We ourselves felt 
inspired with new hope for the future. The sorrows 
of the winter were all forgotten, and the work which 
lay before us in the summer hours seemed, in our glad- 
ness, but as child ^s play. 

We commenced at once to examine the condition of 
the land we had cultivated, and found, to our great joy, 
that all was flourishing. 

Our tree plantation was in excellent condition. The 
seeds we had sown were springing up. The trees were 
putting forth their young leaves of delicate green. 
The ground was covered with flowers of every hue, 
and their sweet fragrance was borne to us upon the 
balmy air; while birds of the most brilliant plumage 
made the woods resound with song to welcome the 
laughing spring. 

We very soon discovered, however, that our work 
would begin at our castle in the tree, for the rain had 
greatly damaged the sail-cloth roof, and dried leaves 
had drifted into our sleeping-apartment. Many days 
would be occupied not only to render it dry and clean 
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SWISS FAMiy^Y ROBINSON 


for our own use, but also the stalls of the animals under 
the arched roots, which were greatly damaged by the 
rains, as well as the staircase in the hollow trunk. In 
short, we quickly found plenty of work. 

While Fritz and I hastened to rectify the damage 
done to our summer dwelling, Ernest and Jack turned 
out the animals to graze upon the sweet fresh grass 
in the meadows, for the sun had already dried up all 
traces of rain and moisture. 

The pet birds and those we had domesticated with 
the fowls had not forsaken the old roost, although they 
had wandered away in all directions, during our stay 
in the hollow tree, to search for additional food. 

I was glad, therefore, to find the seeds we had sown 
growing up rapidly, for our supply of oats was nearly 
exhausted. 

The animals appeared, however, in very good con- 
dition, and seemed not at all sorry to find their fowl- 
house and the roosting-perches cleaned and comfort- 
able. 

As soon as our room in the tree and the platform 
above the roots were made habitable, and the animals 
and pets all attended to, my wife reminded me of the 
flax, which required beating, carding, and combing, be- 
fore it could be woven or spun into thread. 

‘‘There will be many things for you to do at Tent- 
home, she said; “for I expect you will find it greatly 
damaged by the rain. And while you and the three 
boys are absent at the work of repairing the tent, I 
can stay here with little Frank and spin the flax, for 
you are all terribly in want of clothes. 

“But you must have a spinning-wheel and a spin- 
dle, I replied. “Where is that to come from?” 

“Oh,” she said, with a smile, “after building rooms, 
and staircases, and rope ladders, and carts, you won’t 
find much difficulty, I suspect, in constructing a spin- 
ning-wheel for me.” 


281 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


After this I could not refuse to help her, and we com- 
menced proceedings by placing the bundles of steeped 
flax in the sun to dry. Then followed the work of beat- 
ing, stripping, and carding. 

The boys, each with a long heavy piece of wood, 
something like a flail used for threshing corn, beat the 
flax till the flexible fibers were separated from the 
softer parts. I then drew the fibers through the 
coarse comb I had made, and passed them to my 
wife, who carded these fibers through the finer 
comb till the flax was in proper condition for being 
spun. 

We had succeeded so far wonderfully, and I there- 
fore set about constructing a spinning-wheel or distatf 
with great energy. 

I chose the lightest of the wheels I had brought from 
the wreck. Fritz prepared straps from the skin of the 
dead butfalo ; and, after some difficulty, I succeeded in 
forming a spinning-wheel, and spindle, and reel, which, 
although rather clumsy in appearance, were received by 
my wife with great satisfaction, for it seemed to her 
all she could wish. 

She at once set to work; and we left her with little 
Frank, spinning yarn enough, she said, to provide 
thread, yarn, stockings, and linen for a large supply 
of clothes, to replace those we now wore, and which 
were nearly worn out. 

The journey to Zeltheim was undertaken to discover 
what mischief the winter had done to the tent, and 
whether its condition was as bad as that of the tree 
castle sleeping-room. 

We found, to our sorrow, that the damage done at 
Falcon ^s Nest could not be compared to the terrible 
destruction at Zeltheim. 

Storm and rain had overthrown the tent, torn the 
sail-cloth covering, and so completely soaked the stores 
of provisions we had left there under shelter, that 
282 


SWISS FAMII^Y ROBINSON 


most of them would have proved perfectly useless had 
we not quickly placed them in the sun to dry. 

Fortunately, the well-built pinnace had sutfered no 
damage, although the tub-boat was so completely 
broken up, that there appeared no hope of its ever 
again being fit for sea. 

^ On a closer examination of our stores, I noticed par- 
ticularly that the three powder-casks that had been 
left under shelter at the back of the tent had received 
considerable damage. Two of these casks were en- 
tirely filled with water, and the contents so thoroughly 
soaked, that we were obliged to throw them away. 
This heavy and, to us, irreparable loss led me at once 
to consider in what way I could contrive some more 
convenient winter quarters, where such disasters could 
not possibly occur, and also that we might be able in 
future to preserve our arms and ammunition from the 
wet during the rainy season. 

My first idea on the subject, which was to hew out a 
cave or a dwelling in the rocks, seemed, with our limited 
strength, to be impossible, at least so as to have it 
ready in less than three or four summers. Yet the 
longing for a roomy and weather-tight winter dwell- 
ing gave me no rest. 

At last I determined to try, as an experiment, to 
hew out at least a cellar to contain our powder-flasks, 
that this valuable treasure might for the future be 
preserved from injury. 

While the mother was one morning busily engaged 
with her spinning, I started from Falcon ^s Nest with 
Fritz and Jack, fully determined, with the help of the 
boys, to carry out my intentions. 

We loaded ourselves with crowbars, pickaxes, and 
hammers, and, approaching the chain of rocks, I looked 
about for a spot where at least it might be possible to 
dig out a vault in which to stow away a couple of pow- 
der-flasks. 


283 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


At last I made choice of a spot where the face of 
the rock appeared smooth, steep, and almost perpen- 
dicular, and from the top of which could be seen a most 
extensive view of Deliverance Bay, together with the 
shore of the Jackal River to the right, and the end of 
the chain of rocks to the left. 

Upon this I marked with charcoal the outline of an 
opening to be hewn out of the rock, and then I and the 
two boys undertook the troublesome office of stone- 
breakers, only to be performed with the sweat of our 
brows. 

On the first day we made so little progress, although 
we had struggled against every obstacle, that I became 
quite dispirited, and despaired of being able to com- 
plete even a common cellar, before the rainy season 
again arrived. But on the following day we set to 
work with renewed vigor, for I began to hope that the 
hardness of the rock would lessen, as we got deeper in, 
and become by degrees soft enough to be broken by 
a spade. 

We had penetrated into the rock to a distance of 
about seven feet, when Jack, who was trying to bore a 
hole through with a large handspike, suddenly cried 
out joyfully, 

‘ ‘ I am through, papa ! I am through ! ’ ^ 

‘ ‘ Through ! Through where ! ’ ^ I replied ; ‘ ‘ certainly 
not through the whole mountain U’ 

‘‘Through into the mountain, of course, papa,” re- 
plied the boy. ‘ ‘ Hurrah ! hurrah ! ’ ’ 

“Indeed he is right,” cried Fritz, who had hastened 
to the spot : ‘ ‘ come and see, papa, it is wonderful ! The 
iron spike has gone right through the rock into an 
open space, for I can turn it round and round just as I 
like.” ^ 

I quickly found this worth my attention. I seized 
the handspike, and worked it about in the hole with 
such force, that I very soon made an opening large 
284 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


enough for one of the boys' to slip through. Most 
eagerly they wished to make the attempt, but I held 
them back, for when I approached nearer to the open- 
ing to look through, a puff of foul air rushed into my 
face, and caused me to feel, for a moment, quite sick 
and giddy. 

‘‘Listen, boys,^’ I exclaimed, as I drew back hastily 
from the aperture: “do not attempt to enter that 
dreadful cave, for the atmosphere inside is deadly. ’ ’ 

Anxiously they questioned me as to the reason of 
this, and I then explained to them that atmospheric air 
consisted of two gases, oxygen and nitrogen, and that 
if one, or part of one, was removed, the air became im- 
pure and unfit to be breathed by the lungs. 

“Air,’’ I said, “is sometimes full of noxious gases, 
which render it either combustible, or so heavy, that 
it quickly destroys life, especially when it has been con- 
fined for a long time in a limited space. It then loses 
its elasticity, and persons who attempt to breathe it 
are either suffocated or die instantly.” 

“How can you prove, papa, that the air in this cave 
is impure ? ’ ’ 

“There are many ways,” I replied, “of discovering 
this, and one is by its terrible effects upon those who 
breathe it ; but the simplest and safest is to place fire, 
or a lighted candle, in the suspected air, and if they 
continue to burn, we know it is pure enough for man 
to breathe it ; but in impure air fire and lights are in- 
stantly extinguished. Now fetch a quantity of dried 
grass, and we will try the experiment.” 

The boys instantly ran to obey, and presently re- 
turned with large handfuls of grass and moss, which 
I threw into the opening and set fire to it ; but in an in- 
stant it was extinguished, proving at once the air in 
the cave to be in the highest degree dangerous. We 
had brought from the wreck, among other things, a 
sea-chest containing rockets and bomb-shells, to be 

285 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


used on board ship as signals at night or in case of 
danger. 

I fetched one of the rockets, and placed it on a mor- 
tar, just within the portal of this nether world, in the 
hope that by the explosion the malignant air spirit 
might be driven from the spot. 

With a thrilling report the rocket flew like a radiant 
meteor through the horrible atmosphere, above the 
ground, to the opposite wall of rock. Here it re- 
bounded, sprang up, and burst with a hollow sound, 
driving before it through the opening a stream of 
noxious air, that drove us back some paces. The rocket 
also produced another wonderful effect : it whizzed 
round the save like a flaming dragon, lighting the whole 
mighty circumference, and causing the wonderfully 
beautiful roof to sparkle and glitter, as if by enchant- 
ment. 

After all these experiments, I waited for a little 
while, and then a second time made trial of the dried 
hay. A bundle was set on fire and thrown into the 
cave: it fell flaming on the floor, and continued burn- 
ing till.it was all consumed, proving at once that we 
might safely venture to enter, without fear of danger. 

I however hesitated to explore the cave in darkness, 
as I could not be sure that water might not have ac- 
cumulated on the ground, or that we might stumble 
over something we could not see. I therefore at once 
sent our active little Jack to Falcon’s Nest, that he 
might tell his mother the news of our joyful discovery, 
and bring her and his brothers back with him, as well 
as a number of our wax lights, that we might enter the 
wonderful vault together, and find out its extent. 

During Jack’s absence, Fritz and I worked hard 
at the opening, to make it broader and higher, and 
also cleared away the broken pieces of rock, and all 
the rubbish, that we might be able to walk into the 
wonderful grotto without difficulty. 

286 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


In about an hour the mother, with Ernest and Frank, 
arrived in our little state carriage, or, more properly 
speaking, our potato cart. 

They quickly alighted, and we all entered the grotto, 
each carrying a lighted wax candle. Fritz also was 
provided with a tinder-box, in case the candle should 
go out ; and I led the way cautiously, feeling the ground 
with my feet, and followed by the boys and their 
mother, rather fearfully, in spite of their curiosity. 
Our two dogs were also of the party, yet, showing by 
their uneasy, timid manner, that they did not quite ap- 
prove of the position. \ 

We had not advanced very far before the appearance 
of the grotto startled us by its wonderful beauty. The 
candles we carried were reflected on the walls in golden 
light like the stars of heaven, and the columns of 
crystal which rose from the floor to the vaulted roof 
sparkled and glittered in all the colors of the rainbow ; 
it was as if we were standing in the hall of a king’s 
palace, or beneath a stately dome of magic enchant- 
ment. 

Crystals also hung from the roof in fantastic forms, 
which represented the vaulted arches of a cathedral or 
the delicate tracery of gothic architecture. 

The floor was covered with soft firm sand, and it 
was a satisfaction to me to observe that it showed not 
the least sign of being damp, and was therefore quite 
healthful, even for a sleeping residence. 

I examined more closely the crystal tapestry of this 
wonderful grotto, believing at first that it was a sta- 
lactite cave, like those which are found near our own 
home. 

All at once I recalled the descriptions I had read of 
the salt-mines in Poland. I approached the wall, and 
breaking olf a small piece, tasted it with the tip of my 
tongue, and found, to my unspeakable joy, that we were 
in a cavern of crystallized rock salt, which had for its 
287 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


foundation gypsum, over and around wliicli the spark- 
ling crystal hung in layers like a mantle or covering. ^ 

The discovery of this salt pleased me greatly, as it 
would provide us with a never-failing store for our- 
selves' and our cattle, with only the trouble of break- 
ing it otf, and therefore would save the fatigue of 
bringing heavy loads from the sea-shore. 

On proceeding farther into the interior of this cav- 
ern, we were surprised at the singular and statue-like 
figures and shapes formed by the masses of salt, either 
hanging from the roof or projecting from the walls. I 
noticed, however, with some anxiety, that pieces of the 
crystal had fallen in different places, and I knew that 
such an accident would greatly endanger our safety if 
we made it a dwelling, especially if caused by damp. 
A nearer inspection showed me that this was not the 
case, as not the least sign of moisture appeared in 
the cavern. I came to the conclusion, therefore, that 
the explosion of the rocket had created a concussion 
in the air, by which a few loose pieces of the crystal 
had been broken otf. 

I however determined to make another experiment, 
by firing my gun loaded with ball, and while carefully 
watching for the result, I found that not even a loose 
piece was broken otf by the vibration of the air, and 
felt convinced at once, not only of the firmness of the 
crystal, but also that this wonderful cavern might be- 
come a most comfortable dwelling-place. 

Plan after plan was proposed as the be^t to make 
the beautiful cave useful, and all our industry and in- 
ventive powers were excited in this fresh opportunity 
of constructing an incomparable place, which would 
recompense us for any exertions. 

^ It was decided that Falcon’s Nest should still con- 
tinue to be our summer residence, and our sleeping- 
quarters at night; but the whole day was to be spent 
at Zeltheim, while we were so busily at work in pre- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


paring and fitting up our rock castle to make it habit- 
able as a winter bouse. 

Very little was now done at Falcon’s Nest beyond 
wbat was absolutely necessary. In the morning we 
attended to the animals, and provided them with food 
for the day, while the mother prepared breakfast, and 
a store of provisions to last till our return home in 
the evening, tired certainly, but still able to enjoy a 
good supper after our day’s work. 

The first things to be thought of in our rock bouse 
were light and air, and for that purpose the openings 
of a row of windows in front were hewn out of the 
rock. The openings were made to suit the size of the 
windows in the officers’ cabins which we had brought 
from the wreck. 

The entrance to the cave was also made to admit the 
door, now fixed in the hollow tree-trunk at Falcon’s 
Nest, which I determined to remove to Zeltheim. The 
opening in the hollow tree which admitted us to the 
winding stairs could be easily replaced with bark, as 
most likely to deceive wild beasts, and render their 
plundering propensities useless, at least for a time, 
till we could make another door. 

The immense space within the cave made it easy to 
divide it into two parts. The largest in front, into 
which the door opened, was to contain our dwelling- 
room and sleeping-chambers on the right, and the 
kitchen, workshop, and stables on the left. 

The smaller division behind, and so deep in the cave, 
that no windows could be made in it, I determined to 
use as cellars, storehouse, and magazines ; and by de- 
grees I hoped to supply, mth the help of my boys, the 
necessary doors and openings in the partition, as well 
as other needful additions for a comfortable dwelling- 
house. 

The previous work of nature had accomplished for 
us the great undertaking of a large building, with 
289 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


strong walls and lofty roof ; it remained, therefore, for 
us only to provide light and air, and the fitting up of 
the interior. We applied ourselves earnestly to the 
work, and in this, as well as other undertakings dur- 
ing our stay on this lonely coast, proved what can be 
done by activity and perseverance. 

At Zeltheim, while engaged in this work, another 
advantage presented itself, which had not yet been 
made known to us. 

Now and then, on the shore, large numbers of turtles 
made their appearance. They, however, were trou- 
blesome to capture, although we were not sorry to be 
able to obtain such delicacies as their flesh provided, 
as well as the eggs, which we frequently found in our 
wanderings. I now became anxious not to lose more 
time in catching this delicious prey, but, if possible, 
secure some of them alive, that they might be ready 
for food when required, as well as a certain supply 
of eggs, and, perhaps, after a while, of young tur- 
tles. 

For this purpose I placed a rich bait within a space 
surrounded by chains and ropes. When any of these 
beautiful creatures approached the spot, it became 
entangled in the fetters, and it was easy for the boys, 
who were on the watch, to wade into the water, draw 
it on shore, and, with my help, turn it over on its back, 
that it might not escape. 

I then bored a hole in the hinder part of the shell, 
passed one end of a long string through the hole, tied 
it firmly, and fastened the other end to a post fixed 
near the water ^s edge. The creature was then turned 
over on his feet, and, without a moment’s pause, 
plunged into the water ; but, while he could move about 
at his will, and obtain his own nourishment, as well as 
enjoy his natural element, he still remained on the 
sand, for the string kept him back from leaving the 
shore. In this way we succeeded in capturing several 
290 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


turtles for future use ; but another surprise, of equal 
value, awaited us. 

One morning, while returning from Falcon^s Nest 
by the shores of the bay, and in haste to continue our 
work in the grotto, we were startled by a most won- 
derful spectacle. 

The sea at some distance appeared to be in a strange 
commotion, while the agitated and foaming waves 
sparkled in the early morning light. Above this shin- 
ing surface hovered numerous aquatic birds of every 
description, — the sea-gull, the albatross, and many oth- 
ers, their screams and cries reaching our ears even 
at such a distance. 

Presently the feathered flock, still hovering and 
agitated, dived down to the surface of the water, rose 
again, crossed each other’s path as they flew, and con- 
ducted themselves so strangely, that we could not de- 
cide whether it was play and amusement, or a battle, 
on which we gazed. 

The sea beneath them presented a most unusual 
sight, as the morning sun rose and cast a glow of rosy 
red over the eastern sky. The foam sparkled like tiny 
flames, and the waves, as if moved by living creatures, 
changed into a hundred different appearances every 
moment. 

The shining mass now rolled forward towards us in 
a direct line across the Deliverance Bay, followed by 
the flock of birds, while we, with all possible haste and 
curiosity, quickened our steps towards the shore. In 
our road, each tried to account for this unusual sight. 
The mother supposed it to be a moving sandbank ; Fritz 
laughingly declared that it must proceed from the cave 
of t submarine Vulcan; and Ernest believed the ap- 
pear nee to be caused by some frightful sea-monster 
that \ as sporting in the waves. 

As for myself, after due consideration I felt con- 
vinced that a shoal or bank of herrings was approach- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing our shores. No sooner had I stated this opinion 
than I was overwhelmed with a flood of questions as 
to what could be a ‘‘herring bank.’’ 

“A herring bank, or shoal,’’ I replied, “is the word 
used to describe an immense number of herrings, which 
swim together at certain times of the year, and appear 
like a living sandbank in the sea. These herrings, in 
their progress, attract a large number of great fish, 
such as salmon, jean doree, dolphins, and the dog-fish, 
to follow them. To these the herring is a delicious 
morsel. They also attract hunters in the air, which 
swallow them greedily, and are equally dangerous en- 
emies: those birds which we saw hovering over the 
crests of the waves, catch up easily those little fish 
which venture near the surface. The herrings, there- 
fore, swim with rapidity and eager anxiety towards 
the nearest coast or shore, where the water is shallow, 
and feel themselves at least safe from sea-monsters, 
for these large fish require deeper water, especially 
when hunting for prey. But they cannot escape from 
the skillful means used by man to entrap them, who 
also consider the arrival of these fish a welcome oc- 
currence, for thousands of them can be caught at these 
periods with very little trouble. It is said that in one 
year millions of herrings are caught by man, in addition 
to the number which become the prey of birds or fish; 
and yet the roes of only a few herrings would contain 
eggs enough to make up the usual quantity of the shoal 
from year to year.” 

With this and similar conversation we at last reached 
Zeltheim, and the animals were scarcely unharnessed 
from the cart before the whole of the immense shoal 
of herrings rushed into the bay, and with such haste, 
that they tumbled one over another, while their shining 
scales sparkled in the sunlight, and presented the same 
singular firelike appearance that we had observed on 
the distant sea. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We liad no leisure time, however, to admire this 
charming sight, while it was necessary to catch as 
many fish as possible, now we had the opportunity. 

I therefore made out a list of the duties to be per- 
formed by each of us in this fishing business. 

Fritz was to gather the fish in nets, and throw them 
into baskets on the shore, — easily done, on account of 
the immense numbers swimming about; Ernest and 
Jack were to prepare and clean them, while the mother 
sprinkled salt over them ; and little Frank was to lend 
a helping hand to all. 

I took upon myself the task of pickling the herrings, 
and placing them in casks, which required the greatest 
carefulness. I first covered the bottom of the cask with 
salt, and then placed the herrings in a row, head to 
tail, the long way of the cask; the second row I laid 
crossways over the others; and so on, till I had piled 
them up closely to the top of the cask, for I had very 
little room to spare. 

As soon as the barrels were full I covered them with 
large leaves and a piece of sail-cloth, and upon this 
placed pieces of timber, which I kept down by heavy 
stones. The barrels were then carried to the cool 
vaults at the back of our rock house, to be preserved 
for our use with the greatest safety. 

This work occupied quite four days, and detained us 
entirely at Zeltheim for that time; yet, by working 
early and late, we could not manage to fill more than 
two casks with pickled herrings, although there were 
quite enough fish for seven or eight. 

Scarcely had this work of catching and salting her- 
rings been completed, when other important business 
presented itself. Among the herring-eating swarms 
that had followed the shoal to our shores I observed 
a number of dog-fish, who without the least shyness dis- 
ported themselves in the water in the most comical 
manner. 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


These creatures did not appear likely to prove suit- 
able for our table, but I knew that their skin would 
provide us with a supply of leather useful for saddles 
and harness, as well as fur for clothing. 

Besides leather, I could also procure from these ani- 
mals a kind of oil to soften their own fur, and make 
the skin flexible and pliant. It was therefore neces- 
sary to destroy them for the sake of these useful arti- 
cles, although I feared the flesh would prove unsuit- 
able for food. 

The skins, however, were drawn off with the fur still 
on, and the fat melted for oil, which was then care- 
fully placed in a cask, to be used in the future for 
tanning and soap-making, as well as to be burnt in the 
ship lanterns at night during winter. 

We used the bladder of the dog-flsh for another pur- 
pose, and that was to obtain a storehouse or reservoir 
for crabs, to which it formed a tempting bait. 

I found an empty sailor’s chest, in the sides of which 
I bored holes, and, putting into it a number of heavy 
stones, sank it to the bottom of the stream ; and in this 
chest a number of crabs and lobsters were caught and 
secured by the attractive bait of the dog-fish’s bladder. 

The contrivance obtained and preserved for us a 
constant supply of these shell-fish; indeed, the brook 
became a complete reservoir for them, the chest being 
secured to the shore by a chain fastened to a post. I 
also formed another reservoir for herrings, in which 
I placed a number of those we had caught, and they 
very quickly peopled our fish-pond. 

Our accustomed work at the cavern was, through all 
these important undertakings, set aside for a time; 
but we now found it necessary to continue the fitting up 
of our rock castle home, lest a change in the weather 
should occur before we expected it. 


294 


CHAPTER XXIII 


THE WINTER HOUSE IN THE GROTTO 

O UR work in the cave was still carried on with great 
vigor, as there remained still a great deal to carry 
out, and we had so often been interrupted with other 
important duties. 

On examining the cavern more attentively, I noticed 
that the crystallized salt had for its base a species of 
gypsum. I therefore inspected the walls of the inner- 
most part, near our powder store, and found this min- 
eral in large quantities. 

I broke oft several portions with a pickax, and, 
carrying them to our fireplace at Zeltheim, made sev- 
eral pieces red hot in the fire. When these were cold, 
I easily reduced them to powder, which, when mixed 
with water, made a beautiful white plaster. 

My first attempt at plastering was to cover the sides 
of the herring-tubs, to prevent the air from penetrat- 
ing through the cracks. The remaining four I left un- 
touched, as I wished to try my hand at smoked herrings 
as soon as possible. 

I therefore, with the help of the boys, who were al- 
ways ready for any new experiment, constructed a hut 
of reeds and branches of trees closely twisted together, 
similar to those built by the buccaneers in America of 
whom I had read. 

Across the interior of this hut, and very high up, 
were placed ledges, in rows one above another, and 
on these the herrings w®^® Under them we 

lighted a fire of brushwood and damp moss, which 
threw out a dense smoke. The hut was then closed, to 
make it as much as possible air-tight. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


After repeating this process for several days, our 
herrings became dry and firm, and of a beautiful 
golden-brown color. These we gladly laid up in our 
storehouse. 

About a month after the arrival of the shoal of her- 
rings some very large fish appeared in the bay, and 
were evidently making their way towards the river, 
that they might deposit their spawn in the fresh water 
between the rocks at the entrance. By this means the 
young fish are able to reach the sea with ease. 

Some of these fish were so large, that Jack imagined 
they were young whales. I quickly showed him his 
mistake. We walked to the banks of the river, and 
there beheld a number of salmon and sturgeon sport- 
ing in the waves, and certainly not so easily to be cap- 
tured as herrings. 

Jack instantly ran back to the cavern, and presently 
returned with his bow, and arrows barbed with fish- 
hooks, and a large skein of packthread, as well as two 
bladders of the dog-fish. 

I watched him with surprise as he fastened the blad- 
ders to one end of his arrow, and a long string to the 
other. He then fixed the other end of the string on the 
shore under a heavy stone, and, with a good aim, shot 
the arrow quickly from his bow into the body of a large 
salmon. 

‘‘Cleverly hit. Jack. Well done!^’ cried his broth- 
ers, as the fish struggled in vain to escape; for the 
string under the heavy stone on the shore kept him 
back, while the bladders obliged him to float on the 
surface, or otherwise he would have dived to the bot- 
tom. This fish was, indeed, a prisoner; and we drew 
him to shore, and quickly put him out of his misery. 

This great success roused us all to make a similar 
experiment. 

Fritz went for a harpoon. I made my appearance 
like Neptune with his trident, or, properly speaking, a 
296 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

liay-fork. Ernest provided liimself with large fishing- 
hooks and a line, and onr fishing performances began 
again with great energy. 

Jack again tried his bow and arrow, but with less 
success : two of his shots failed ; and although the third 
wounded another salmon, he had great difficulty in 
bringing it on shore. 

Ernest baited his hook with some tempting morsel, 
and threw his line, hoping to get a bite from one of the 
visitors; and when that occurred, he had to call his 
mother and Frank to assist him to haul it on shore. 

I struck two of the creatures, but I had to struggle 
through deep water to secure them. At last, with 
his harpoon, Fritz fixed a sturgeon of an enormous 
size. Struck in the back of the head, the monster 
struggled violently, and threw the water over us in 
showers. Fritz was obliged to let out all the string, 
and I had to fetch another harpoon, to prevent him 
from escaping ; and by degrees we drew him into shal- 
low water. Even then we were obliged to throw a 
noose around his neck before he could be landed. 

After resting awhile from these exertions, we com- 
menced cleaning and cutting up the fish into pieces to 
be salted, excepting a portion of the salmon, which I 
gave to my wife to be cooked for our dinner, and ad- 
vised her to boil it with a little of its own oil in water, 
as they cook the tunny-fish in the Mediterranean. 

‘^We have such a large supply of fish now,’’ said my 
wife, ‘^that I think it would be advisable to throw away 
the roes, the fins, and the tails, as well as the bladders, 
for they make our dishes and the place smell so un- 
pleasant. ’ ’ 

^‘Impossible, my dear!” I replied, with a grave face: 
“from the roes of the sturgeon is prepared that deli- 
cate dish named by the Eussians ‘caviare,’ and the 
most excellent glue can be made from the bladder, and 
those other parts you object to.” 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


My wife shook her head at this information, but as 
I knew she was right about the unpleasant smell, I 
at once set to work, that these materials might be got 
rid of quickly. 

The sturgeon’s roe, which weighed about thirty 
pounds, was cleaned and rinsed several times, to re- 
move from it the salt water, and while boiling, the scum 
of brine was carefully skimmed off, till not a particle 
remained. The whole mass was then placed into a 
gourd-shell sieve with holes, till the water was pressed 
entirely from it, and then left for twenty-four hours. 
It was afterwards removed from the calabash mold, 
and mixed with a kind of cheese, made with goat’s 
milk. It only now required to be smoked in the hut, 
and then removed to our storehouse in the rock, to be 
preserved as a pleasant and nourishing food for us 
during the winter. 

The fish-bladders next required my attention, as 
they needed to be separated from the fleshy parts, and 
also cleaned with fresh water. This done, I cut them 
into long strips, and after tying a string to each end, 
stretched them in the sun to dry and become smooth. 

The preparation of the fins and tails was really 
tedious: they had to be skinned, cleaned, and boiled, 
till they were changed into a perfect jelly, which, after 
becoming firm, when cool, was thrown into a clean flask, 
and when thoroughly dried in the sun, and quite hard, 
was cut into strips and laid by for use. By this process 
we obtained a supply of really useful glue, which I 
hoped, when clarified, would not only serve to stick 
articles together firmly, but also to form a semi-trans- 
parent substance, to use for window-panes instead of 
glass. 

These undertakings being accomplished, I was able 
to examine my wife’s kitchen garden at Zeltheim. It 
appeared in a most flourishing condition, and likely 
to supply us with vegetables of all kinds, and of most 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


excellent flavor, with very little trouble. It was also 
agreeable to discover that the plants in this climate 
had no particular or fixed period of the year for be- 
coming ripe, hut that, during the whole summer, peas, 
beans, and other agreeable vegetables continued to 
grow and ripen. The moisture caused by the heavy 
rains had no doubt produced this result, as well as the 
supply of water which had been brought from the 
Jackal Eiver by our sago palm-tree pipes. For this 
little trouble, therefore, we had been richly repaid. 

Besides kitchen vegetables of all kinds, our garden 
contained cucumbers, gherkins, melons, as well as a 
quantity of Indian corn or maize, in great abundance. 
At a little distance from the garden was a sugar-cane 
plantation in a flourishing condition; and the anana- 
roots we had brought from the mountain ridge^ and 
transplanted in good soil close by, promised to provide 
us in the future with a splendid store of this incom- 
parable fruit. 

The universal success of the plants near Zeltheim 
filled me with a pleasing hope that another experiment 
we had made at Falcon’s Nest would be equally suc- 
cessful, and one morning we started, full of spirits, 
from Zeltheim, to visit the spot. 

On our way to Falcon’s Nest we passed a large field, 
in which the mother had sown a whole bushel of Euro- 
pean corn, after the potatoes had been dug up. 

Here we found seeds of all descriptions growing into 
plants, and some quite ripe. In one part was barley, 
in another wheat ; farther on we saw rye, peas, millet, 
and field-beans, in such profusion, that, in the highest 
state of wonder, I asked the mother where she had 
found so many and such a variety of seeds. 

brought them from the wreck when we first left 
it,” she replied, ‘‘and I have still some remaining; 
but after our first harvest, I expect we shall not need 
them.” 


299 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘I tliink the harvest of that maize-field yonder has 
commenced already/’ I replied; ^^and the reapers are 
there, in the shape of unbidden guests, who are com- 
mitting robbery. ’ ’ 

While saying this, I led the way to the field, followed 
by the rest. 

As we approached nearer, we heard a sudden flap- 
ping of rushing wings, and at the same moment about 
half a dozen Canadian fowl, who had evidently been 
enjoying themselves, rose in the air and took to flight. 
Our dogs, who at once began to display their hunting 
propensities, were almost startled by the strange cries 
of an immense flock of smaller birds, who rose at once 
in the air, having been evidently warned by others of 
the same species, which appeared to act as sentinels. 
I had seen these little creatures running along the 
ground, but they also now took flight with the rest. 

At last, to complete the number of unbidden guests, 
two kangaroos sprang on the field, who, with tremen- 
dous leaps, tried to escape in safety from our dogs, 
which they readily succeeded in doing. 

Fritz, however, had been on the alert the moment 
he saw the Canadian fowls, and without delay released 
his eagle, which he always carried behind him perched 
on his game-bag. He uncovered the bird’s eyes, and 
threw him aloft from his hand after one of the fugi- 
tives. 

He then sprang quickly on the back of the onager, 
and followed his pupil with the swiftness of an arrow. 
We watched this performance in the air with the great- 
est curiosity. The eagle was not long in discovering 
his prey, and flew over it at a great height, as if he 
threatened to pounce down upon the bird at once. 

The Canadian fowl no sooner caught sight of his 
enemy, than he shrank from him in terror, and tried 
to avoid the thrust by various movements, — drew him- 
self together, stretched himself out, and at last sank to 
300 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the earth, terrified at the fierce eyes and frightful claws 
of his enemy. 

This loss of courage would have been fatal to the 
Canadian fowl, for the eagle pounced upon him in a 
moment, as he was . sinking earthwards, and, seizing 
the poor creature with his claws, would no doubt have 
made an end of him. But Fritz was close at hand, and 
springing among the bushes, freed the claws of the 
eagle from the bird’s feathers, and covered his eyes 
with the hood; then, after tying the Canadian fowl’s 
legs together, and covering him with a piece of canvas, 
he seated the eagle again on his game-bag, and pre- 
sented himself to us triumphantly. 

Jack alone remained behind, with his young jackal, 
to try his skill as a hunter. He had noticed that a few 
of the birds with sentinels, which were evidently quails, 
still remained in the field. The jackal, at the command 
of his master, sprang in amongst them, and brought 
out to the delighted Jack about a dozen, by the wings. 

On our return with the captive Canadian fowl, the 
youngster met us, and proudly showed us the result of 
his instruction to the jackal. He received hosts of 
congratulations; hut we were thirsty and exhausted, 
and therefore anxiously turned our steps towards Fal- 
con’s Nest. 

On arriving. there, and complaining of the heat and 
our thirsty condition, the mother offered us a new and 
most refreshing drink, which she had prepared from 
Indian corn, which, after being crushed and diluted 
with water to clean it, was strained through a sieve, and 
sweetened with the juice of a sugar-cane. This drink 
was refreshing, and as agreeable and nourishing as 
milk. The rest of the day we employed in shelling 
and laying by the seeds we had brought with us, and 
also made the necessary arrangements to start on the 
next morning at daybreak to carry out a new under- 
taking. 


301 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We chose especially a Canadian cock and two hens, 
which we intended should establish a colony in the 
wilderness, and increase in numbers, and seek their 
supply of food for themselves. I decided also to take 
four of the little pigs, and two pairs of goats, for the 
number of our flocks and herds had already become 
very considerable, and how to procure food for them 
all was a cause of no little anxiety. 

In the morning, after packing our wagon, supply- 
ing our domestic animals with sufficient food and wa- 
ter, as well as providing ourselves with arms and am- 
munition, we started from Falcon’s Nest. The cow, 
the buffalo, and old Grizzle were the beasts of burden ; 
Fritz, on the now tame onager, rode foremost, as a 
brave outrider, to discover if the way was clear, and 
no danger presented itself. 

We struck again upon a new path, between the strand 
and the river, and presently found ourselves in the 
region which stretches from Falcon’s Nest to the great 
bay, and the place we named afterwards our watch- 
tower, on the hill at False Hope Point. 

By and by, we found no little difficulty in passing 
through the high grass, and reaching the wood beyond 
it. But here also a number of trailing plants, and an 
overgrowth of brushwood, hindered our steps; it was 
necessary, therefore, to take another road, or cut our 
way through with ax and hatchet. 

This difficult march, however,, came to an end at last, 
and we reached the opposite edge of the wood, and saw 
before us an open plain, on which grew a number of 
small bushes, presenting a most striking appearance. 
Little Frank, who was the first to notice this, presently 
exclaimed, 

“Oh, mamma, how pretty! Look, it has been snow- 
ing ! It is real winter here, and not at all like the ugly 
rain we have had.” 

I was not surprised at the child’s mistake, for most 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


certainly there lay scattered on the bushes and on the 
ground a white woolly substance, that glistened like 
snow-flakes. I was about to express my opinion, when 
the quick and inquiring mind of Fritz made him assert 
as a fact what I only conjectured, that these bushes 
were a kind of dwarf cotton-tree. They certainly bore 
a kind of wool, which grew in boles or pods, like the 
wool of the cotton- tree, and this welcome plant we had 
now discovered in our travels^ The downy contents 
of these pods we longed to possess, for quite a bushel 
of fine soft wool lay in every direction, either scattered 
on the ground like the round snowballs in our gardens 
at home, or still enclosed in the pods, and hanging on 
the ^reen stems of the bushes. 

The joy expressed on this discovery was loud and 
universal, particularly by the mother, who was in ec- 
stasies over the number of articles with which this wool 
would supply us, if I could only manage to make a 
spinning-wheel and weaving machine for her. 

While we were conversing on the possibility of my 
success in such an attempt, the boys were gathering 
up and plucking quantities of the wool, till all our 
sacks were full ; but my wife eagerly filled her pocket 
with seeds, in the hope that, if sown at Zeltheim, we 
should be as successful in raising this useful plant as 
we had been with former grain. 

After walking onwards for a short time, we arrived 
at the foot of a little hill, up which we climbed, and 
from the top discovered a most delightful prospect. 
Trees of every kind decked the hillsides, and beneath 
flowed a clear rivulet, which in a verdant plain, evi- 
dently fertilized by it, was lost to our view. 

After descending the hill, my proposal to establish 
our farm on this fertile plain received universal ap- 
proval. The tent was, therefore, quickly raised, and 
large stones collected to form a fireplace, that dinner 
might be prepared. After a refreshing meal and rest, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I decided that it would be necessary to employ the re- 
mainder of the day in the work that appeared the most 
urgent. ' 

My wife and the boys took the trouble of separat- 
ing and cleaning enough of the cotton wool to fill our 
pillow-cases, that we might have soft pillows for our 
heads at night. I employed myself in searching the 
neighborhood for a suitable place in which to build our 
farmhouse. 

At a little distance I came upon a group of trees, 
standing at such convenient spaces from each other, 
that I decided immediately to make the trunks of these 
trees the chief supports of our house. 

After relating my success, we all retired early to 
rest in the tent, to gain strength for our work on the 
following morning, when I had arranged that the build- 
ing of our farm should commence. The trees I had 
chosen stood in the form of a parallelogram, or long- 
sided square. The longest side, facing the sea, con- 
sisted of three trees, one at each corner, and one in 
the center. Inside the trunks of these trees, at about 
ten feet from the ground, I cut notches, as also in the 
three at .the back, which grew almost opposite. 

The notches, however, in these, were only eight feet 
high, as I intended to place beams across in a sloping 
position, from front to back, to form a roof. These 
beams were not more than five inches thick, and were 
fastened firmly with nails to the trees at the side. 
Across from tree to tree thin laths were placed, to form 
the walls, and then fixed firmly to the cross beams above 
with wooden pegs; and when this was completed, the 
walls of our building looked like huge gridirons. 

To make the roof secure, we covered it with pieces 
*of bark already dried in the sun, in the form of tiles, 
and, fitting one over the other, these were all firmly 
nailed to the beams on which they rested. 

While clearing up the rubbish and the broken pieces 

304 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of bark we bad used, I noticed a peculiar smell, and 
took up one or two of the chips to examine them. I 
then discovered that they were pieces of the bark of the 
terebinth-tree, and contained turpentine. I hoped, 
therefore, to make even these broken pieces of sj:ill 
greater use than merely supplying us with fuel. 

The acacia species, or mimosa-tree, which we found 
at a little distance, had thorny branches, and these 
thorns were very useful to us as nails. 

We had to thank the goats for the next wonderful 
discovery, which was indeed welcome. They were seen 
to scrape among the fallen bark chips for certain 
pieces, which they evidently considered as delicious 
morsels, for they devoured them greedily. The boys, 
whose curiosity was excited in the highest degree by 
the performance of the goats, took up pieces of the bark 
and tasted them. So aromatic and delicious was the 
flavor, that Fritz at once pronounced the bark to be 
cinnamon. 

During our midday meal, the boys made many in- 
quiries respecting these new discoveries, turpentine 
and cinnamon ; they could think of nothing else. 

Eespecting the first two, I explained that turpen- 
tine and tar could be produced from the fir-tree, and 
this fact was known by the ancient Greeks, and from 
them it came to Venice, and is now an article of valu- 
able commerce, especially with Norway, in which are 
large forests of firs. Tar, when mixed with train oil, 
forms pitch, which is also very useful; and when fat 
is added, it makes a kind of grease for carriage and 
cart-wheels. 

‘^We shall now be able to prepare pitch for our 
yacht,’’ I said, “which will be a great improvement 
on caoutchouc, and render it stronger and firmer. The 
terebinth-tree exudes a kind of gum, in some cases nat- 
urally, but in others from incisions in the bark. This 
gum, as it runs forth, hardens in the sun, and becomes 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


as transparent as amber. It is used when burnt as a 
perfume, and if dissolved in spirits of wine, forms a 
beautiful transparent varnish for porcelain, china, and 
glass. 

^‘Cinnamon,’’ I continued, ‘‘is the bark of the cinna- 
mon-tree; the best comes from the island of Ceylon. 
The young trees are chosen, because the coarser outer 
bark can be easily removed, leaving a fine inner layer 
of the cinnamon, which is peeled off, and after being 
dried in the sun, is cut into strips of various lengths, 
and rolled together in parcels. 

‘ ‘ These parcels are most carefully sewed in pockets 
containing cotton-wool, the pockets are wrapped in 
matting, and at last the whole is tied up in ox-hides, 
which by the sun or by fire have dried till they are as 
hard as horn; they are then sent on board ship. By 
these means the contents are not only secured from 
plunder, but also from the possibility of losing their 
aromatic flavor. ^ ’ 

After dinner we again proceeded to the building of 
the farmliouse, which I knew would require many in- 
dustrious days before it was completed. On this aft- 
ernoon we commenced covering the walls with a kind 
of latticework of creeping plants, twisted together as 
closely as possible, to the height of about five feet. 

The open part above to the roof was only partly cov- 
ered with laths, also in a kind of latticework, leaving 
large spaces between for air and light, and also to en- 
able us to look out conveniently. The interior was 
fitted up as much in accordance with my intention as 
could be managed without much outlay of wood. 

A partition, the length of the building from front to 
back, divided the interior into two unequal parts. The 
larger contained the principal entrance-door to the cat- 
tle-stalls ; the smaller was to form sleeping-apartments 
for ourselves whenever we paid a visit to the farm. 

Within the larger partition we erected a smaller one, 

306 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


with wooden palings, so arranged that, while the poul- 
try could easily slip through to the principal door, the 
animals were quite separated, and unable to intrude 
upon them. 

In both places we made proper troughs for their 
food, and between the cattle-stalls and our sleeping- 
chamber a secure door was placed. In a comparatively 
short time we had the whole dwelling most comfortably 
arranged ; for, although not very beautiful in outward 
appearance, yet it was quite enough for us to feel sure 
that we had made a really good shelter for the sheep, 
goats, and fowls. 

And in order to accustom them to the new home, we 
took care to fill the feeding-troughs daily not only with 
their usual food, but also with salt and other favorite 
provender, both morning and evening. This plan so 
attracted the colonists to their new stalls, that they be- 
came quite accustomed to the place, and lost all in- 
clination to run away. 

I had calculated that this undertaking would most 
likely be finished in three or four days, but it took us 
more than a week, and our stock of provisions was by 
the end of that time nearly exhausted. As I did not 
wish to leave our new establishment until it was quite 
completed, I sent Fritz and Jack to Falcon’s Nest to 
obtain a fresh supply of necessary provisions. 

The animals and poultry at Falconhurst would also 
need more fodder, and I desired the boys to give them 
enough to last for ten or twelve days. The two mes- 
sengers took with them the ass to draw the cart, con- 
taining string and bags, in which to pack all the store 
of provisions they could find, and the onager and buf- 
falo were the riding-horses. They started full of 
spirits, and, with a slight touch of the whip, induced 
our old Grizzle to follow them at a good trot. 

During their absence I set out, with Ernest, to ex- 
plore the surrounding country, not so much with the 

307 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


intention of finding potatoes and cocoannts as from 
a wish to become better acquainted with it. At a very 
short distance from our new farm we came upon a little 
brook, which flowed towards the wall of rocks, and 
found ourselves in a road we already knew. 

After awhile, however, we reached a large marsh, 
which bordered a beautifully situated little lake. As 
we walked round the marsh, I noticed with joyful sur- 
prise that it was covered with the rice-plant, evidently 
growing wild in great luxuriance. Some of the bushes 
appeared to be young shoots, and the rice upon them 
but half ripe. 

Here and there I perceived fully-grown plants, cov- 
ered with seeds, to which a large number of greedy 
birds had been attracted. On our approach they flew 
away with rushing wings, and we fired at four or five 
Canadian fowls, but it would have been impossible to 
secure even the one that fell had not the young jackal 
rushed in among the rice-plants and brougM it to 
us. 

On proceeding farther. Master Nip made a welcome 
discovery for us. As usual, he accompanied us with 
his little basket on his back, and riding on his strong 
patroness. Floss. Suddenly he sprang from his nag, 
and rushed forward on all fours to a green bank at a 
httle distance, and commenced plucking something and 
devouring it with great enjoyment. 

Ernest and I followed him, and quickly recognized, 
in the wholesome and tempting fruit he was eating, 
beautiful and sweet strawberries. We at once seated 
ourselves on the ground, and refreshed our parched 
lips with the delicious fruit. Some of the berries were 
as large as my thumb, and not only quite ripe, but with 
an aromatic flavor that resembled the anana or pine- 
apple. 

I thought, while regaling ourselves, of the dear ones 
at home, and we gathered enough to fill Nip^s basket 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to the very top. It was then covered with large leaves, 
and over all a clean cloth carefully tied, for I feared 
that if Master Nip found the basket too heavy, he 
might be inclined to eat some, to lessen his load if it 
were not closely covered. 

I did not forget, also, to carry with me a few speci- 
mens of the ripe rice-seeds for the mother, so that she 
might ascertain as quickly as possible, by her cooking 
skill, whether we had made a useful discovery. 

Continuing our walk, we presently came to the spot 
where the marsh was transformed into a tiny lake, 
which we had already so much admired from a dis- 
tance. Our delight was now greatly increased by the 
appearance of a number of beautiful coal-black swans, 
which were gliding in stately tranquillity on the lake, 
their elegant forms mirrored in the dark blue wa- 
ters. 

The sight was so charming, that I would not, by any 
hunting propensities, have attempted to disturb its 
serenity; but our war-like companion Floss had no 
such generous feelings. The dog had noticed a 
strange movement in the water. She sprang in, and 
quickly reappeared, dragging to the shore a singular 
creature like a fish, which she had killed, and would 
have devoured had I not run hastily to save it. 

The curious animal puzzled me. It was web-footed, 
had the tail of a fish, and a head proportionate to its 
body, which was covered with long hair like fur, and 
had eyes and ears so small as to appear as if formed 
for concealment. But the most remarkable feature 
of the animal was a duck’s beak on its snout. 

These unheard-of combinations in one creature were 
in appearance so ridiculous, that we laughed heartily ; 
yet, while I examined the animal, I could not possibly 
decide to what genus it belonged. I came to the con- 
clusion at last to give it the name of ‘Hhe beast with 
a bill.” Ernest, however, was very anxious to take 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


home this remarkable animal, and have it stuffed, to 
be preserved as a curiosity.* 

Laden with such booty, we now turned our steps 
hack again to the newly-established farm ; and in less 
than a quarter of an hour after our arrival, Fritz and 
J ack, approaching at a sharp trot, returned from their 
errand to Falcon’s Nest. They brought us a good 
report of the animals, as well as proofs that they had 
truly obeyed my orders. 

I remarked also with satisfaction that the boys had 
not only carried out my precise commissions intelli- 
gently, but also brought with them many other articles 
which they considered would be useful in completing 
my plans and intentions. 

On the following morning, after supplying the sheep, 
goats, and poultry, which we intended to leave behind, 
with sufficient fodder, we departed from the new farm, 
which had been named Wood Grange, and took the 
road to the promontory of False Hope. 

After walking for a short distance, we reached a 
wood, in which an enormous number of apes received . 
us with unearthly cries, and pelted us with a hailstorm 
of pine-cones; and it was only by firing our guns, 
loaded with small shot, into the air, that we could dis- 
perse our assailants. 

Fritz picked up one of the cones with which the apes 
had attacked us, and showed it to me. I was to rec- 
ognize in it the cone of a pine-fir, that produces a most 
agreeable oil when pressed, and appeared so likely to 
be useful to us, that I desired the boys to gather up as 
many as possible. 

As soon as a large store had been collected, we de- 
parted without delay from the wood of apes and fir- 
trees, and arrived in a short time near the promontory 
of False Hope. When we emerged from the wood, T 


* This creature was no doubt the aquatic animal named the “duck- 
billed platypus.” 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


had noticed at a short distance a rising ground, from 
the summit of which I felt sure we should discover a 
delightful prospect; and on reaching the foot, I at 
once proposed that we should climb the steep ascent. 

On arriving at the top, I found my expectations 
more than realized, so beautiful was the country that 
lay stretched out before our eyes in every direction. 
I at once decided to make also here another establish- 
ment ; as soon, therefore, as we had rested for a short 
time, we commenced erecting a little cottage, or sum- 
mer-house, on the brow of the hill. 

This work was far easier to us now, in consequence 
of our practice and experience at Wood Grange; and 
it proceeded so rapidly, that in six days the cottage 
was finished. We gave to this new settlement, at 
Ernest’s suggestion the ‘high-sounding title of Pros- 
pect Hill, 

But this expedition had been undertaken by me prin- 
cipally that I might search for a tree with a light, 
strong, yet flexible bark, suitable to make a small boat. 
Hitherto my search had been fruitless, but, in spite of 
this, my hopes of finding the right tree were not 
lost. 

As soon, therefore, as the cottage was completed, 
the boys and I conunenced our search in the surround- 
ing neighborhood. After trying the bark of many 
trees merely with my hand, we discovered two tall fine 
trees resembling oaks, with trunks rising to a great 
height before any branches sprang from them. 

This bark, however, appeared to me to be a species 
of cork, and, merely from its great toughness, would 
have been suitable to my purpose, especially as it was 
also easy to cut. 

As soon as I had chosen my tree, I placed the little 
rope ladder which we had brought with us on the low- 
est branch, and fastened it firmly. Up this ladder 
Fritz climbed, and, with a hand-saw, cut a circular 
311 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


incision ronnd the trunk through the hark to the sap, 
while I carefully made a similar incision near the root. 
We then made another incision, from the upper to the 
under circle straight down the stem, by which the bark 
was separated from the tree in a curved form, and the 
uncovered sap of the trunk was left to dry in the sun 
by degrees. 

The shell of bark we removed carefully and laid on 
the grass unhurt; but even then not half of our work 
was completed. The first thing advisable to be done 
appeared to me the formation of the boat while the 
bark was by nature still moist and flexible, and would 
therefore be more easily brought into the shape of a 
vessel. 

My first act, therefore, was to cut through each end 
of the piece of bark to the length of about three feet, 
and then fold the pieces over to form the stem and 
stern of my boat. In this position I nailed them firmly 
together^ so that they might not become loosened by 
the influence of water. This performance, however, 
made my little ship too flat. I therefore bound it 
round the sides with strong ropes while the bark was 
moist, that it might remain in a proper shape when 
dry. 

At this point I felt that my boat-building could not 
be finished without the necessary tools. I therefore 
sent Fritz and Jack to Zeltheim for the sledge, to 
which I had fastened two little wheels, brought from 
the wreck, and belonging to the ship’s cannon, so that 
the unfinished boat might be carried to a more con- 
venient place to be completed. 

During the absence of the boys, I searched the neigh- 
boring woods and groves for pliable wood, that would 
bend easily and form the ribs of my little ship. 
Ernest, however, was fortunate enough to discover, 
while searching with me, a kind of ligneous wood, 
which generally grows in a curved form naturally, and 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


would, on that account, be most useful for the ribs of 
tbe boat, without looking for flexible wood. 

In tbe midst of this search we also made a very use- 
ful discovery of a tree from which flowed a new kind 
of gum. This gum could he used as glue in a liquid 
state, and I had no doubt would become exceedingly 
firm and hard when dry. The mother and little 
Frank, on hearing this, immediately set about collect- 
ing a large store, for I hoped also to he able to use it 
instead of pitch or turpentine in finishing the boat. 

It was late in the evening when the young people re- 
turned with the sledge. We were by that time only 
too glad to retire to rest, and leave the completion of 
our undertaking till the morning. 


313 


CHAPTER XXIV 

LITTLE FEANK AND THE CALF 

W E rose early on the following morning, and were 
soon busily engaged collecting the timber, 
curved wood, and other articles necessary to the com- 
pletion of the boat, which were laid on the sledge. 
After breakfast the smaller , articles, with our pro- 
visions, were placed on the cart drawn by old Grizzle, 
the buffalo being harnessed to the sledge, and we then 
started on our way to Zeltheim. 

On reaching the bamboo grove, it was found neces- 
sary to cut our way through with ax and hatchet, 
which made the journey very tedious ; but the store of 
canes we obtained would, I knew, be very useful, es- 
pecially a large thick one, which I determined to use 
as a mast for my new boat. 

When at last free from the bamboo grove, I led the 
way to the left through a narrow defile, formed by the 
ridge of rocks on one side, and a small channel or gulf 
on the other, which poured forth its rushing waters 
into the bay at a little distance. 

Through this narrow pass I and the boys, after pro- 
ceeding for a few paces, came to a standstill, and here 
I proposed to raise an earth wall, to prevent access to 
our farm in this direction. 

We dug the earth up and threw it in two heaps, to a 
great height, the whole width of the pass, with a small 
opening in the center, till the hollow appeared like a 
deep grave. A small wooden gate was then placed 
between the two heaps of earth, to allow us to pass 
when we pleased; but against this portal we piled up 
thorny and prickly plants, as high as the earth heaps, 
314 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and by this means made both a fortification and an en- 
trenchment against intruders or wild beasts on our 
farm, at least by this defile. On the protected side of 
the pass we let loose the little pigs we had brought 
from Zeltheim, that they might find a home for them- 
selves, and before leaving the spot named the place 
Swineford, 

This work occupied two fatiguing days, and greatly 
interfered with our journey. I however did not regret 
sparing the time for such a purpose. It was not long 
before we arrived at Falcon’s Nest, and here I decided 
to stay for two hours, to enable my wife to prepare din- 
ner, while we supplied the animals and the fowls with 
food and water, and also obtained an hour’s rest for 
ourselves. 

Zeltheim, however, was not reached till late, and we 
were so completely tired and overworked, that, after 
taking some refreshment and unharnessing the animals 
from the cart and sledge, we were glad to retire to 
rest. 

On the following morning I set to work in earnest, 
with the help of the boys, to finish my boat-building. 
The first important undertaking was to form the ribs, 
with the curved and pliant wood we had brought, and 
also to fix underneath, from end to end, a thin plank 
for a keel. On the upper part rings were placed, to 
receive the cordage and tackle of the rigging. 

As ballast, I threw into the hollow of the boat a num- 
ber of pebbles, which I cemented together by pouring 
upon them a mixture of lime and clay. Over these 
pebbles planks were laid, side by side, and a very useful 
and convenient flooring or lower deck they made. 
Across the boat hung movable planks, for seats, and 
in the center of the lower deck or floor a large hole was 
cut, to receive the bamboo mast, to which a triangular 
sail had been attached. 

The rudder I fixed at the stern with two strong door- 

315 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


hinges, and a long handle was also placed in the inner 
edge of the rudder as a tiller, by which whoever steered 
the boat could guide it properly. My boat when fin- 
ished promised to be very useful, and to carry us in 
safety even against wind and tide; and although of 
little cost, was to us of the greatest value. 

For greater security, I finally thought of another 
arrangement. I requested the mother to make for me 
two air-tight leather bags of the dog-fish ’s skin : these 
I covered carefully with a thin wash of pitch, filled them 
with air, and fastened them by well-tarred ropes on 
each side of the center of the boat, just low enough to 
touch the water. 

By this means it would, I knew, be almost impossible 
for any accident to upset the boat, unless it were too 
heavily laden. 

During the rainy season a circumstance occurred 
which I have been too much engaged to mention before. 
Our cow presented us with a bull calf. 

In the hopes of eventually taming the little animal 
and making him useful, I determined to pass through 
his nostrils, as I had done with the buffalo, a piece of 
stick, to be replaced as he grew older by an iron ring, 
with reins and bridle to guide or lead him. 

This, however, could not be performed till the calf 
was old enough to be weaned, and that time had now ar- 
rived, for the young creature was already grown large 
and strong, and quite at home amongst the other ani- 
mals. 

After the operation had been performed, Fritz re- 
marked that we might now, with our two animals, ven- 
ture on a Hottentot battle if we were attacked. 

‘‘I cannot understand,” said his mother, ‘‘why there 
should be fighting oxen in any country, or under any 
circumstances. ’ ’ 

“I will endeavor to explain to you,” I said, “as 
clearly as I can, why the natives of South Africa train 
316 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


their oxen to fight. These people dwell in a country 
infested with wild beasts, and their principal means 
of support is derived from their fiocks and herds of 
cattle and sheep; and to protect these they place one 
or more of their fighting oxen in charge of the rest, 
and wonderfully they perform their office. 

‘^At the slightest appearance of danger the coura- 
geous animals lead all the rest to a spot of pasture, and 
group them together in a circle, the young calves and 
the weaker cattle being enclosed in the center. These 
fighting oxen place themselves outside the circle, and, 
with raised heads and projected horns, face the enemy. 
At times the appearance of these animals and their 
loud bellowing alarm the enemy and put them to fiight ; 
yet, even should this enemy be a lion, they will often 
nobly sacrifice their own lives for the protection of the 
flock. 

‘‘It is said that in olden times, when these tribes 
were at war with each other, and attacked the villages 
or huts of their enemies, they would place these noble 
champions as a vanguard of the army, and not seldom 
the victory has been gained by their heroism alone.’’ 

The boys were delighted with this account, but they 
all agreed that our little bull need not be trained to such 
wonderful warfare. Yet still he required teaching to 
become useful, whether to ride or drive ; and who was 
to do it? Ernest had enough to do with his monkey; 
Jack had his buffalo and young jackal; Fritz was sat- 
isfied with his onager and eagle ; so there only remained 
little Frank, with nothing to engage his attention or 
require his teaching. 

“Well, little man,” I said, “will you undertake the 
education of the calf?” 

“Oh, yes, papa,” he replied. “I’m not a bit afraid; 
and I remember that story you told me once about a 
man called Milo, and how he began when he was young 
by carrying a calf on his shoulder uphill every day, and 
317 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


that he became at last so strong, that when the calf 
was grown to be a great ox, the man could carry him 
just the same. And perhaps, if I begin now while 
this calf is little, and teach him every day, I shall 
grow stronger in knowing how to manage him when he 
is big.” 

I laughed at the little boy^s story and its applica- 
tion ; and I told him that the calf would become a bull 
very quickly, and long before Frank was a man. I 
encouraged him, however, to try what he could do, 
and advised him to use kind means, as the best way to 
tame all animals, even sometimes wild beasts. 

‘‘But, Frank,” I said, “what name is he to 
have?” 

“Oh, I shall call him Grumbler,” replied the boy; 
“for he can’t bellow yet; only makes a humming noise 
like grumbling.” 

On hearing this, the boys began to discuss the ques- 
tion of names for their own pets. Jack proposed to 
name his buffalo Storm. 

“It would be so grand,” he said, “to hear them say, 
‘Here comes Jack, riding on the Storm!’ ” 

This joke produced laughter, but there could be no 
objection, so the name was fixed upon. To the two 
puppies we gave names in accordance with their color 
— Brown and Fawn — and with these the boys were 
quite contented. 

For two months after this we worked daily at our 
salt cavern, fixing our partitions more firmly, or patch- 
ing up the walls ; but our chief work now consisted in 
arranging the inner rooms and the stalls for the ani- 
mals, that they might be comfortable during the long 
rainy season and the winter. 

Most certainly we performed one piece of work well, 
for such bunglers as we were in the previous use of 
gypsum; for, in melting it into plaster, and filling up 
the crevices in the walls to make them look smooth, 
318 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


we were wonderfully successful, for it dried tolerably 
clean and white in spite of our clumsiness. 

The floor of our dwelling-room we covered with lime 
and clay, in which we placed small pebbles, and stamped 
them down, filling up the spaces between with gypsum 
plaster, which I did not expect would be dry till the 
end of the summer. I also began to see the importance 
of using the wool and hair of our sheep and goats to 
make carpets for our sleeping-chambers and living- 
room. 

For this purpose I adopted a very simple plan. I 
wetted a piece of sail-cloth with fish-glue, and spread it 
on the ground. Over this we scattered hair and wool 
as evenly as possible, and then rolled up the cloth, beat 
it with sticks, stamped on it with our feet, and worked 
at it with all our strength till the hair was thoroughly 
mixed. 

I then drew from the sail-cloth a piece of felt, which 
was laid in the sun to dry. Two smaller pieces were 
also planned in the same way ; and we had now the sat- 
isfaction of knowing that our rooms would be rendered 
warmer by a contrivance which, though not a carpet, 
would be equally useful to us. 

All work at our winter castle vras, however, set aside 
on the day following our carpet-making by another 
important event. 

On the morning of that day I awoke unusually early, 
but I would not disturb my family, who were still slum- 
bering peacefully. A subject which had occupied my 
mind for days caused me to lie awake and think, instead 
of rising. 

After sundry calculations, I had discovered that the 
anniversary of the day on which we had reached this 
island in safety was near at hand, and while reflecting, 
I felt convinced that it would fall on the following day. 
Full of thankfulness for our deliverance from the 
wreck, and our safety since, my heart rose in gratitude 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to God for His mercy, as well as for*^His good gifts 
and His protecting care since we had lived on the is- 
land, and I determined not to let the day pass without 
some marked celebration, as a proof of our gratitude. 

Full of this determination, I arose and woke the boys 
and my wife, and the latter hastened to prepare break- 
fast, supposing that I was anxious as usual to get to 
work quickly. Not having yet hinted at the approach- 
ing festival, we each employed ourselves in little mat- 
ters that could be easily accomplished. Indeed, I had 
so arranged with the boys to perform these trifling 
duties, that, until we were seated at supper, no one had 
an idea of the decision I had made respecting the next 
day. 

At last I spoke. 

‘‘My dear ones,’’ I said, “prepare yourselves for a 
great festival : to-morrow is a day never to be forgot- 
ten.” 

They all looked at me with astonishment, and I has- 
tened to explain that I had been making calculations, 
and found that the next day would be the anniversary 
of our arrival on the island, and that we had been here 
twelve months. 

“Is it possible?” exclaimed my wife: “have you not 
made a mistake in your reckoning? The time appears 
so short.” 

“No, dear wife,” I replied; “we were wrecked on the 
thirty-first of January. I discovered this by the al- 
manac of last year, which I found on board. I have 
marked off in every week since, the Sundays as they 
arrived, till the end of December. Thirty-one days 
have gone by since that date, and t( ; , there- 

fore, is the first of February, the an; r of the 
day in which we so mercifully reac < ^ i : I- island. 
My bookseller has not sent me an a - * c !‘-r this 
year,” I added with a laugh, “so I wai hi* . . ) keep 

a regular daily account.” 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘^Ah, papa!” exclaimed Ernest, “did you have a 
long pole, and make a notch in it for every day, and 
longer ones for weeks and months, like Eobinson 
Crusoe did!” 

“No, my boy,” I replied, laughing, “but I think his 
was a very good plan ; yet we ought to know how many 
days there are in each month, as well as the number of 
days in a year, to enable us to keep a correct account. ’ ’ 

“That is very simple,” he replied, “for the year 
contains three hundred and sixty-five days, five hours, 
forty-eight minutes, and fifty-seven seconds.” 

“Perfectly correct, my young astronomer,” I re- 
plied; “but all those hours, minutes, and seconds would 
cause some difficulty in our reckoning by cutting on 
a stick.” 

“Oh, no! not in the least, papa,” replied the boy: 
“besides, it is useful for us to know that in four years 
the minutes and seconds make up another day, which 
is added on to February, and so the fourth year is called 
‘leap year.’ ” 

“Excellent,” I replied: “we must make you our head 
astronomer, Ernest, and give you the task of regulat- 
ing our watches ; you should also invent a calendar of 
your own, to belong specially to this high and mighty 
kingdom.” 

The boys laughed at the proposition, but Ernest took 
my joke pleasantly: he was rather proud, sometimes, 
of the knowledge he had acquired by reading, but he 
was not an ill-tempered boy. 

After we had retired to rest, I heard the boys talk- 
ing over the festival for which they had been told to 
prepare, and some little secret seemed to be the sub- 
ject of conversation. Now and then they spoke in 
whispers, but I made no remark. 

At break of day on the following morning, we were 
startled by the report of a cannon. We rushed from 
our sleeping-room in the tree, filled with the greatest 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


astonisliment, and scarcely believing we bad beard 
arigbt, or wbat tbe sound could mean. 

Presently, as we were for a moment quite bewib 
dered, I noticed that Fritz and Jack were absent, and, 
while I felt inclined to be angry, I beard them laughing 
as they ascended our staircase, and Jack exclaiming, 

‘ ‘ Did we not rouse them from sleep quickly with our 
thunder V’ 

Then fearing, by my looks and his mother’s, that 
they had displeased us, Fritz exclaimed, 

‘‘Pray forgive us, papa! but we thought certainly 
that such a day of rejoicing as the anniversary of our 
deliverance from shipwreck should be welcomed with 
a salute of cannon, even without your permission. We 
thought more of honoring the festival than of disturb- 
ing your slumbers.” 

We readily understood the feelings which had in- 
fluenced the boys, and accepted willingly the intended 
honor to the day for which we had such reason to be 
thankful. 

We sat and rested for a long time after breakfast, 
talking over our plans for the day, one of which was to 
visit our salt cavern, and there make a beginning, by 
recording in my day-book the date of our happy deliv- 
erance. 

I then read a chapter in the Bible, and we sang a few 
hymns, and afterwards knelt and offered up our heart- 
felt thanks to God for His mercies in the past year, 
and implored His aid and protection for the future. I 
was anxious to impress upon my children that to the 
blessing of God alone on our endeavors we owed our 
present comforts, and even our lives. 

The mother then informed us that she intended to 
honor the day by giving us a splendid dinner of the 
most precious of our stores ; and when we had enjoyed 
it with thankful hearts, I said, 

“Now, children, we will spend the remainder of the 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


day in joyful amusement. You must display your 
gymnastics, and, as the combatants of ancient times, 
struggle for the highest honors, while I and your 
mother will be the spectators, and recompense the win- 
ners with the prizes of victory. Trumpeter!’’ cried 
I in a loud voice, in the direction of the spot occupied 
by our fowls, ducks, and geese, who were resting in the 
shade, ‘ ‘ give the first blast to summon the champions. ’ ’ 

The poor birds, surprised and alarmed at my sten- 
torian voice, set up such an excited chorus of quacking 
and cackling, that the boys shouted with laughter, and 
then, joining their hands, danced round us with de- 
light, singing, 

“Come to the lists, most noble knight; 

The trumpet summons you to the fight. 

What shall we first begin?” 

shooting match,” I replied. ‘‘And if you will 
get for me some pieces of wood, an ax, and a saw, I will 
soon prepare a target for you.” 

In a very short time I had cut the pieces of wood into 
something like the shape of the body, head, ears, and 
tail of a kangaroo. This I nailed together, and set up 
firmly in the ground, at about a hundred paces from 
the standing-point, to form a target. 

The three elder boys eagerly came forward to try 
their skill in shooting at this target, and each was to 
have twelve shots. 

Fritz, who aimed direct at the head of the kangaroo, 
succeeded twice; Ernest was successful only once in 
striking the body; while Jack’s shot, by a mere chance, 
passed through the animal’s ears, to his own great 
amusement. Fritz, therefore, was proclaimed the win- 
ner. 

The next trial of skill consisted in firing in the air at 
a stick, which I threw up ; and I was surprised to find 
that the quiet, reflective boy Ernest was not far behind 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


his impetuous eldest brother in hitting the stick while 
flying. As to Jack, in this trial he was nowhere. 

Bow-and-arrow shooting came next, for I was very 
desirous that my boys should excel in this exercise, in 
case our store of powder should become exhausted. I 
found, therefore, to my great satisfaction, that the 
elder boys were really skillful marksmen, and that even 
little Frank acquitted himself famously. 

After a short pause for rest, I proposed a running 
match; and for this purpose Fritz, Ernest, and Jack 
were Co start together, at a signal from me, to Falcon’s 
Nest, and bring my penknife, which I had left on the 
table in our sleeping-chamber in the tree. 

At my signal, Fritz and Jack started oft at a rapid 
pace, while Ernest followed with steady, but not slow, 
steps. I prophesied, therefore, at once who would be 
the winner. I had calculated that the journey to and 
from Falcon’s Nest would occupy an hour and a quar- 
ter of quick walking, but when in less than that time 
Jack galloped up on his buffalo, followed by the onager 
and the ass, I felt almost inclined to be angry. For if 
he intended me to consider him as the first to return, 
it would be an unfair means of claiming the prize by 
riding instead of walking. 

^‘Oh, oh. Master Jack!” I exclaimed, ‘Hhe prize is 
for walking, not riding on a buffalo. Where are your 
brothers?” 

‘‘They are coming, papa,” replied the boy, spring- 
ing to the ground. “Your humble servant gave up 
running from the first. I knew I had no chance when 
I saw Ernest coming along at such a steady pace. 
And when he and Fritz turned to come back, I mounted 
Storm, to get here first, but Lightfoot and Grizzle fol- 
lowed us without being invited.” 

While the boy talked, I saw Fritz advancing, and 
fifty paces behind him came Ernest, holding up the 
penknife in triumph. As they drew nearer I said, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘How is it you have the knife, Ernest, when Fritz 
has arrived here in advance of you!^’ 

“I reached Falcon^s Nest just two minutes before 
he did, papa,^’ replied the boy; “but I believe he would 
have been the winner if he had not started off so rap- 
idly. How long have we been, papa ? ’ ^ 

“Fifty minutes,^’ I replied, “and it generally takes 
me an hour and a quarter to go to Falcon’s Nest from 
here and hack, by the shortest way, so I consider that 
you and Fritz have done well, and you are the winner 
by two minutes. ’ ’ ^ 

“So you rode home, youngster,” said Fritz to Jack: 
“a very fine way of winning a race!” 

“Oh!” he replied, “you two left me behind so soon, 
that I gave up trying; besides, you are both older and 
stronger than I am. Anything more to win, papa ? ” he 
asked, addressing me. 

“Yes; when you have all rested there must be a 
climbing match,” I replied; “the pads are here in 
readiness for you.” 

A few minutes’ rest sufficed, and then I was aston- 
ished to notice the agility of Jack. He climbed the tree 
like a squirrel, and completely eclipsed. his two broth- 
ers. 

But in riding, Fritz carried off the palm, although 
J ack was not far behind him. He rode and galloped on 
the onager without saddle or stirrups, he even jumped 
off while his steed was in motion, and mounted again 
by clinging to the animal’s mane, as the circus riders 
do ; and Jack almost equaled him in cleverness. 

Ernest, however, took no part in this horsemanship : 
although he understood well how to ride and manage 
a horse with saddle and bridle, he had no emulation 
for practice on a buffalo or a wild ass. 

But, to my surprise, a new competitor appeared in 
little Frank, who requested to be allowed to display his 
riding prowess on Grumbler, the young bull. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


His mother had made him a saddle-cloth of kangaroo 
fur, to which hung straps with loops to be used as 
stirrups. Through the ring in the animaPs nose two 
strings were fastened, as bridle-reins, and as the young 
rider galloped up to us, we welcomed him with accla- 
mations. 

“Most learned gentlemen!’’ exclaimed the little fel- 
low, as he brought the obedient animal to a sudden 
stop, “you see before you the great bull-tamer, Milo 
of Cretona ; will you allow me to show you some of my 
performances ? ’ ’ 

Little Frank then put the animal through all his 
paces: he made him walk and trot past us, and then 
gallop, and, indeed, obey the voice and movements of 
the boy in a manner that quite astonished me. In 
the midst of a gallop, he would bring him up at a dead 
stop, and yet keep a firm seat. Perhaps the saddle- 
cloth, so cleverly made by his mother, had a great deal 
to do with the boy’s success and the safety of his seat. 
His brothers were delighted, and cheered him lustily, 
while I encouraged him with the praise he deserved, 
and was much pleased when he said, 

“I shouldn’t have managed Grumbler so well, papa, 
if mamma had not helped me.” 

We finished the performances with swimming and 
diving, and in this Fritz proved himself master of the 
art. He was like a Newfoundland dog in the water, 
and sported in it as if it had been his natural element. 

Ernest was evidently afraid to go beyond his depth, 
and soon gave up the attempt ; while Jack, being at first 
too violent in his movements, was in a very short time 
so exhausted, that I had to drag him out of the water. 
Little Frank, however, in this his first attempt, suc- 
ceeded so well, that I did not doubt he would become as 
expert in swimming as in riding. 

Later in the evening, when these performances were 
over, we returned to Falcon’s Nest along the sea-shore. 
326 


CHAPTER XXV 

THE MISCHIEVOUS MONKEYS 


? 

(I- 

A SHORT time after the anniversary festival, I re- 
called the fact that at about this period the pre- 
ceding year a flock of ortolans and wild pigeons had 
settled at Falcon ^s Nest. The store which the mother 
had half cooked and preserved in butter was now al- 
most exhausted, and I considered it advisable to obtain 
some more of these birds to add to our supply of nour- 
ishment during the coming winter. We therefore at 
once took up our abode at Falcon ^s Nest for this pur- 
pose. 

I was, however, very unwilling to spare powder for 
shooting them, and I fortunately remembered reading 
that the West Indians and the dwellers in the Pelew 
Islands, where these birds are plentiful, snare them 
with a kind of sticky substance, which they prepare by 
mixing oil with the gum of the India-rubber-tree. It 
has the name of bird lime, and has been known to snare 
even such large birds as peacocks and turkeys. We had 
a small quantity of the India-rubber giim left, which 
I had kept for the purpose of shoe and boot-making. 
I therefore sent Fritz and Jack for a fresh supply, tell- 
ing them to gather as much as they possibly could in a 
day’s work. 

The boys started joyfully on their expedition, taking 
with them as many calabash vessels as they could 
carry; my wife therefore reminded me that we ought 
to add also to our store of these useful articles. 

‘^But the calabash wood is at such a distance,” I 
said. 

^‘Oh,” she replied, smiling, believe we shall find 

329 


VISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


le gourds closer at hand than the calabash wood, 
e fact is, dear husband, I planted last year a num- 

r of young shoots of the gourd near some trees 
our potato-field. I had almost forgotten them, 

^ ^t if you like we will take a walk there, and ascer- 
tain whether they have grown to perfection or 
not.’’ 

I was greatly pleased and surprised at this informa- 
tion, another of those surprises which my wife seemed 
so fond of preparing for us; and calling Ernest and 
Frank to he our companions, we started as soon as 
possible for the plantation near Zeltheim. 
j On reaching the spot, we found to our great satis- 
/ faction that the plants were in a most flourishing con- 
/ dition, but in dilferent stages of progress, — some in 
/ flower, others with the fruit partly ripe, a number ripe 
I but soft, and a large majority with the flesh of the fruit 
decayed, but the shells as hard as horn. These we 
chose as being the most suitable for our purpose, and 
especially as the withered stems rendered them easy to 
cut olf. 

With a large number we returned home, and com- 
menced at once cutting out and forming vases, bottles, 
cups, and spoons, to add to our store. 

While thus employed, we heard the young riders 
approaching at full gallop on Storm and Lightfoot. 
They had a large supply of the India-rubber gum ; but, 
in addition to this, they brought us news of other dis- 
coveries. 

And, first. Jack displayed a small animal he had shot, 
which he called a marmot, but it looked to me more 
like a badger. Fritz produced a crane as the result 
of his sport, and also two roots, one of which Ernest 
said was anise-root, and the other the boys declared 
must be called the monkey-plant. 

‘‘Why do you give it that name*?” I asked. 

“Well, papa,” said Fritz, “when we were not far 

330 j 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

from Wood Grange, in an open spot near tlie wood, we 
came upon a troupe of monkeys, who seemed to be full 
of business. We alighted, tied up our animals and 
the dogs, and then cautiously approached nearer. With 
surprise we saw that the monkeys were digging up 
roots from the ground in the most comical manner and 
with ridiculous grimaces. Holding the roots with their 
3eth, they threw themselves over head and heels, mak- 
their bodies a kind of lever to dig them up. It 
vas then swallowed greedily. 

‘‘We were very curious to discover whether this root, 
which the apes appeared to consider such a dainty bit, 
vas pleasant to the taste ; I therefore untied the dogs, 
who quickly drove away the monkeys, and left us free to 
gather up as many roots as we could carry. I tasted 
one, and found it rather agreeable. Can you tell us, 
papa, what root it isT’ 

“The root is unknown to me,’’ I replied; “yet still 
I can trace in it some resemblance to a plant very 
highly esteemed in China, of which I have read. The 
Chinese consider this root not only wholesome and 
strengthening, but also valuable in medicine ; it is even 
supposed to prolong life. On this account, the Em- 
peror of China has a right to claim all land on which 
this plant grows, and these places are guarded by a 
sentry. It is also found in Tartary, and has passed 
from thence into Canada and many other places in 
America, by means of smugglers, who avoid pay- 
ing duty to the Government, and can therefore sell it 
cheaply.” 

“What is the name of this plant, papa?” asked 
Ernest. 

“Ginseng,” I replied. “But before we attempt to 
eat it we must try Master Nip and our poultry with a 
piece. The other root is well known as a medicine or 
in cookery, but it must not be eaten as food, although 
it has such a fragrant smell. The seeds form almost 
331 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


as powerful an opiate as laudanum. What else have 
you to show me r ’ 

‘^We have brought another store of wax berries, 
papa, ’ ^ said Fritz ; ‘ ‘ and, better still, we found a resin 
flowing from the trunk of a tree, which seems like tur- 
pentine, and we filled two of our calabash vases with 
it.’’ 

‘‘It certainly resembles turpentine,” I said, as I ex- 
amined it; “at all events, it can be used instead of it, 
and will, no doubt, answer the same purpose.” 

“Papa,” exclaimed Fritz, as I turned away with 
the stores and the booty they had brought, “you have 
not heard all about the wickedness of those dreadful 
monkeys. Our new farm place is nearly destroyed ! ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ What ! by monkeys ? ” I exclaimed. ‘ ‘ Are you sure, 
Fritz I ’ ’ 

“Who else could have done it, papa? for the animals 
and the poultry are still living, but the poor fowls are 
scattered in all directions, and the sheep and goats 
wandering about in terror. Everything is torn or 
destroyed — the cotton dragged from our beds and 
thrown here and there, and the fodder mixed with the 
dung-heap. It was a perfect scene of desolation. 

“But our attention was soon diverted from the farm, 
for while we stood looking in astonishment and regret, 
we suddenly heard a great noise of rushing wings and 
screaming in the distance, and presently observed a 
large swarm of birds of passage passing over our heads 
at such a great height that they appeared no larger 
than sparrows. They continued their flight in perfect 
order, one behind ancth :r, till, as they approached the 
marshy ground ‘ r^ke, they began to sink lower 

in the air, and pt- iy d scended swiftly and alighted 
on the little field ot 

“We followed c/jv -:r 4y nnd softly, but it was im- 
possible even to rai - ‘ ■ * ttp. unnoticed, for they had 

sentinels stationed v - Uv int, to give warning in 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


case of danger. I could see that they were cranes, but 
to shoot one was impossible, and at last, at a slight 
movement on my part, the whole flock rose in the air 
with a wonderful sound of rushing wings. I instantly 
unhooded my eagle, who rose rapidly in the air above 
the cranes, and quickly brought one down dead at my 
feet. There, as the eagle allowed it to remain, I at 
once gave him one of the dead pigeons as a reward.’’ 

^‘You were fortunate to have him with you, Fritz,” 
said Ernest. ‘^But does he not sit heavily on your 
shoulder when Lightfoot gallops?” 

‘‘No,” replied the boy, “for he flutters his wings 
to keep himself from falling; and you know he is too 
heavy to carry on my wrist, as ladies and gentlemen of 
olden times used to carry falcons. We finished our 
day’s work,” continued Fritz, “by gathering about a 
bushel of rice, and I think our good coursers deserve 
their supper as much as we do for helping us to bring 
home such valuable spoils.” 

At supper that evening the roots which we had 
brought, having been tasted and greedily swallowed 
by Master Nip, were cleaned and cooked for our sup- 
per, and eaten with great relish. 

“Dear children,” I cried, as I awoke the boys next 
morning, “we must rise with the sun to-day, for we 
have a great deal of work before us.” 

No second word was needed. All were soon on their 
feet; and, after our accustomed morning prayer and 
breakfast, we hastened to commence work. 

I first desired the boys to cut a few switches from 
the bushes suitable to my purpose ; and while they were 
thus engaged, I hastened to prepare the bird-lime by 
mixing with the caoutchouc some clarified pine-oil. To 
this I added liquid turpentine, and beat up and stirred 
the whole mass together till it became a tough and firm 
paste. 

By the time my bird-lime was ready the boys re- 

333 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


turned, and I employed them at once in spreading it 
over the sticks, while I examined the trees to choose 
the most suitable branches on which to place the 
snares. 

I noticed that a large number of ortolans and wood- 
pigeons were already in flocks among the neighboring 
trees, and I recalled the fact that about this time in the 
last year a similar swarm had first attracted our no- 
tice. 

So thickly populated, indeed, were the branches now 
by these feathered visitors, that even the random shot 
of a blind' person would scarcely have failed to bring 
down some of them. 

I noticed particularly that oaks were the most at- 
tractive trees, on account of the sweet acorns; and 
after Jack had climbed these trees, with his usual agil- 
ity, and placed the lime-sticks on the branches, I was 
reminded of a custom among the inhabitants of Vir- 
ginia, an American colony. 

These people capture pigeons and other birds at 
night by torchlight, and obtain large numbers in that 
way. I determined, therefore, if our snares failed, to 
adopt this plan. 

About a dozen birds were quickly caught in the snares 
with great ease, for they were not at all shy or afraid 
of Jack as he sat among the branches, and evidently 
suspected no danger. As one after another became 
fixed to the lime-sticks, they struggled and fluttered to 
get free, and in so doing fell to the ground, carrying 
the sticks with them. 

But the sack in which they were placed remained 
still very light, although the twigs were cleaned and 
again covered with bird-lime two or three times. 

I knew, therefore, that by this plan we should not 
obtain a sufficient store of birds for the winter; and 
being anxious to save our powder and shot, I resolved 
on the following evening to capture a large number by 
334 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


a torchlight attack instead of bird-lime, and to make 
our torches of wood tipped with turpentine. 

While snaring the birds, Jack suddenly descended 
from the tree, and bringing with him a beautiful pig- 
eon, asked me whether it ought to be killed. 

‘‘Oh, no!^’ exclaimed Ernest: “why, it is one of the 
pigeons brought from Europe in the ship ; and see how 
tame it is!’’ 

I perceived at once that the boy was right. I there- 
fore took the little trembling captive in my hands, 
rubbed the feet and wing-feathers with ashes to remove 
the bird-lime, and then placed it in the hen-coop with 
Jack’s fowls. I hoped also to catch its mate, as I was 
anxious to have a number of these beautiful birds. 
Fortunately the other tame pigeons were caught with- 
out being injured, and before evening we had two pairs 
of European pigeons in safe keeping. 

On the other hand, the number of wild birds snared 
was not sufficient to fill even one cask. The boys, in 
climbing the trees so often to save the tame pigeons, 
had slightly frightened them away. I therefore at once 
determined to proceed after dark to the acorn wood, 
and invade the great tribe of wood-pigeons and ortolans 
in their night quarters, where I hoped to find them. 

It grieved the mother to think that these pretty birds 
must be killed ; but I explained to her, as well as to the 
boys, that it was necessary to provide food for us on 
a desolate island, where none could be obtained for 
money. 

“But,” I added, “for boys to set traps to catch birds 
merely in sport, or for the sake of shooting them, is 
displeasing to God, and shows a cruel disposition.” 

As evening approached, I prepared for the night ex- 
pedition. Our weapons were on this occasion very 
unusual — ^merely long bamboo canes, sacks, and un- 
lighted torches. The boys wondered greatly that such 
instruments could be used in catching birds. How- 
335 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ever, we proceeded in the short twilight to the place I 
had fixed upon, and so rapidly had darkness fallen 
upon ns after sunset (as usual in this southern cli- 
mate), that on reaching the spot the torches were at 
once lighted. 

By their light I discovered, as I had expected, an 
immense swarm of birds roosting on the branches. 
The light from the torches, as we stood under the trees, 
awoke the birds. Dazzled and frightened, the poor 
little creatures hopped and fluttered through the fo- 
liage and from spray to spray, then becoming giddy, 
we could easily, with our bamboo canes, knock them on 
the head as they fell to the ground. To increase our 
store, we beat the lower branches with our canes, which 
brought down also a large number of birds. 

So many now lay dead on the ground, that the mother 
and little Frank had enough to do to gather them up 
and place them in sacks : those which were only stunned 
by the blows they had received I quickly put out of 
their misery. As soon as two sacks were filled, I pro- 
posed to return home to Falconhurst before our torches 
had quite burnt out. The valuable booty was so heavy, 
that only by suspending the two sacks upon two of the 
bamboo canes, and placing the ends of each cane on the 
shoulders of four of our number, two in front and two 
behind, could we manage to carry them easily. 

The mother and little Frank led the way with lighted 
torches, so that our procession resembled that of a 
funeral at night in the olden times.* 

A short walk brought us to Falcon’s Nest, and after 
carefully stowing away our precious booty in a safe 
place, we gladly retired to rest. 

Nearly the whole of the following day was employed 
in plucking, cleaning, half baking, or stewing the birds, 
before preserving them in oil or butter, and placing 


* Funerals among Eastern nations still frequently take 
light at night. 


336 


place by torch- 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


them in casks ; and we were as busy as if we had been 
the keepers of an hotel, and were preparing a festival 
dinner. By the time our work was finished, it was too 
late to set out on the monkey-hunting expedition; it 
was, therefore, put off till the morrow. 

On the following morning soon after dawn we rose 
and took a hasty breakfast. My wife had packed up a 
supply of provisions for some days, in case we should 
be detained by this war with the apes. We also 
carried with us a quantity of bird-lime, for I knew 
it was useless to attempt to gain the mastery over 
these terribly destructive animals with firearms 
alone. 

We loaded the buffalo with the traveling-tent, and 
Jack and Ernest, being not very heavy, seated them- 
selves upon it. Our provisions and our arms were laid 
on the onager, in front of Fritz, and I followed on the 
ass. The mother and Frank remained at home, under 
the care of Turk, while Floss and the young dogs ac- 
companied us in a troupe. 

When we arrived near Wood Grange, I chose a spot 
surrounded by thick bushes, and made a halt. We un- 
packed our baggage, unharnessed the animals, and 
tied them to a tree by ropes long enough to allow them 
to graze ; I then erected our tent, and after fastening 
up the dogs, that they might not interfere and disturb 
the apes, we approached the farm cautiously, that we 
might not be noticed by the enemy. 

Before leaving Falcon’s Nest, we had prepared a 
number of little poles to take with us, as well as more 
than half of our store of gourd and cocoanut-shells. 
These poles were placed loosely in the earth round 
the demolished farmhouse, two and two, and tied to- 
gether lightly with string. Within was thus formed a 
kind of labyrinth, leaving the entrance passages so nar- 
row, that it was impossible to pass without touching 
one or other of the poles, and by thus upsetting them, 
337 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the string would twist itself round the body or the feet 
of the animal that entered. 

At last we placed the cocoanut and calabash-shells, 
containing rice, maize, and palm wine, in the labyrinth. 
Over all these, as well as on the poles, the strings, and 
even the trees, we lightly spread bird-lime. 

By the time this business was completed the day had 
far advanced, I determined, therefore, that we should 
rest till the morning. Soon after sunrise, the noise 
which sounded in the distance awoke us, and announced 
that our enemies were approaching the farm. We 
seized our arms, and divided ourselves into two parties, 
leading the dogs by a string. Cautiously drawing 
near, we hid ourselves in a spot from which we could 
observe unseen a most ridiculous spectacle. 

The monkeys commenced their performances by 
climbing to the branches of the trees near the farm- 
house, and yelling and chattering, sprang from bough 
to hough, with a rush and confusion horrible enough to 
bewilder a man’s brain. 

Suddenly the whole swarm of ape rabble broke loose 
from the trees, sprang from the lower branches to the 
ground, and, evidently allured by the tempting bait, 
hopped pell-mell after one another to the farmstead. 

The procession seemed to have no end, and to count 
the numbers was impossible, for they tumbled over one 
another and crowded together in their haste. 

Fearlessly they broke through the strings, pulled 
up the poles, and while some rushed on the tempting 
bait, others let themselves loose on the building, and 
climbed to the roof. 

Here they began to pull up the pine-wood pegs, and 
at last pushed their way into the interior, expecting, no 
doubt, as rich a booty as on their last visit. 

But by degrees the chattering of the rabble changed 
to cries of rage or fear, for not one of the whole num- 
ber had escaped from being caught by the bird-lime 

333 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


either in the head, the breast, the back, or the fore 
paws. 

Half ludicrous, half pitiable were the wonderful 
grimaces they made, and the strange positions in which 
they were fixed by the lime. Some were endeavoring 
to clean it off ; others, attached to branches of trees or 
confined by strings, gave themselves up to despair. 
In some cases, when they attempted to help each other, 
they stuck together, and then fought and struggled in 
useless rage. 

Many became entangled in the strings, and others, 
being fastened to a pole, fell with it to the ground. I 
was scarcely able to restrain my laughter at some, who 
were not exactly hurt, but fixed in the most ludicrous 
positions, either from greediness or a love of mischief. 

Here was one with both hands stuck fast to pegs, 
which he had seized to pull up. In their haste to be 
the first to obtain a cocoanut-shell, two had grasped it 
at the same moment, and were immediately stuck to- 
gether; while a third, in his eagerness to drink the 
palm wine in a calabash-shell, had tipped it up so greed- 
ily, that it remained sticking to his forehead and whisk- 
ers like a mask. 

Those, however, were in the worst plight who had 
become attached to the thorny branches of the acacia ; 
and indeed the sight was so pitiable, that I at last de- 
termined to put them out of their misery by letting the 
dogs loose. The scene that followed was for a few mo- 
ments terrible. The dogs rushed upon the imprisoned 
apes, and tore them in pieces — several that were only 
wounded and in agonies, I was obliged to put out of 
their misery with a blow from my bamboo cane. 

In a few minutes there lay before us a veritable bat- 
tle-field. From the sight I turned away with a shud- 
der, for not less than thirty or forty apes lay mangled 
and dead on the spot. 

My boys were quite sad and serious, and hoped they 

339 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


should never again witness such a sight. Indeed, as I 
told them, I regretted being obliged to make such a 
slaughter, but in no other way could I get rid of the 
mischievous animals. 

^‘Ah! papa,’^ said Fritz, ^Hhey looked so like hu- 
man beings, and seemed asking us to help them when 
the dogs were let loose : it was that made it so dread- 
ful.’’ 

I had noticed this myself with equal pain ; but now it 
was over, I endeavored to divert the thoughts of the 
boys by proposing to clean and prepare the farmhouse 
for the reception of our animals once more. 

This they readily agreed to, but first we had to dig 
a pit and bury the bodies of the apes, which was indeed 
a sickening performance. This being at last finished, 
we collected together all the poles, pegs, string, shells, 
and other articles used in the attack, and burnt them. 
The farmstead had then to be thoroughly cleansed and 
partially repaired to form a dwelling for the terrified 
animals. This work occupied two days. 

With little difficulty and a supply of tempting food, 
the sheep, the goats, and the fowls were attracted back 
to their old homes, and I earnestly hoped that nothing 
would again interfere with their comfort after our 
departure. 

One day while thus engaged, I heard two or three 
times the sound of something falling under the nearest 
palm-tree. On going to discover the cause, I found 
three beautiful birds which had been caught by the 
lime, and, in their struggles to escape, had fallen to the 
ground. They were still living, and on a closer in- 
spection I discovered that we had made a splendid 
capture. 

These birds belonged to the pigeon tribe, and were 
evidently from the Molucca Islands, in which country 
they are named carrier pigeons, or Molucca doves. 

This addition to our pigeon family made me truly 

340 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


happy, and I resolved to commence building as soon 
as possible a new and handsome pigeon-house. 

When I mentioned this to Fritz, he said, 

‘‘For three pigeons, papaT’ 

“No,’’ I replied, “for I hope to make these new- 
comers associate in a friendly manner with the Euro- 
pean pigeons; and besides, they will no doubt attract 
others. ’ ’ 

“You will have to use sorcery, then,” he replied, 
laughing. 

^ ‘ ‘ Perhaps I may be obliged to make use of the magi- 
cian ’s wand,” I replied, “and by the result you will be 
able to judge whether my sorcery is successful.” 

All our arrangements at Wood Grange being at an 
end, I led the way to Falcon’s Nest, which we reached 
without further adventure, and were gladly welcomed 
by the dear ones at home. 

The captive pigeons were much admired, and the 
mother readily agreed with me that it was necessary 
to visit Zeltheim as soon as possible, and commence 
the erection of a pigeon-house; other matters in the 
cave also required completion. 

As soon as the day for our departure was settled, a 
store of provisions was got ready and placed on the 
cart, with various necessary arms and tools; and we 
started from Falcon’s Nest with the intention of re- 
siding for a long period at Zeltheim. 

The position for my pigeon-house, which I decided 
was to be hewn out of the rock over our living-room, 
was quickly chosen; the front faced the Jackal Eiver, 
and without delay the work was commenced and con- 
tinued for several weeks with but little interruption. 
In consequence of the comparative softness of the rock, 
an opening was soon completed; but I only penetrated 
to the interior as far as about half the depth of the 
pigeon-house, for the front and sides, which projected, 
were to be made of wood. 

341 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


The construction of this wooden frontage, in which 
the pigeon-holes and entrances were to be placed, oc- 
cupied some time, but when finished, quite repaid us 
for the trouble. In each side an opening was made for 
a window, and a wooden platform stood before the en- 
trance for the birds to rest upon. The entire front 
with pigeon-holes and entrance were covered by a slid- 
ing trap-door, which could be drawn up or closed by a 
string and a pulley in case of danger. A wooden rail 
was also placed under the little window, on which to 
fasten the rope ladder by iron hooks when we wished 
to look in. 

The arrangements of the interior were much more 
difficult. Two side walls of wood and one behind were 
required in the rocky portion, as well as a floor and a 
ceiling. These difficulties, however, were at last over- 
come, and the building was really a clever construction 
for such bunglers as we were; in fact, the interior of 
the pigeon-house, with its perches and partitions of 
network, in which the nests were placed that the birds 
might be separated from each other while building, 
and all other necessary fittings, were finished with' 
great neatness, considering the want of proper ma- 
terials and my own inexperience in such work. 

The pigeon-house being at last ready to receive 
its feathered inhabitants, I said to Ftitz one morn- 
ing, 

‘‘My brave comrade, we must now practice some 
kind of enchantment to attract a new colony of pig- 
eons to this dwelling we have made for them. ’ ’ 

Fritz looked at me with such surprise as I spoke, that 
I laughed as I explained, for he evidently did not un- 
derstand me. 

“Well, Fritz, the truth is that a secret plan, described 
to me years ago by a pigeon dealer in our village, might 
well be mistaken for witchcraft by ignorant people; 
and the man who adopted it was certainly not honest, 
342 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


for he attracted birds which were the property of oth- 
ers. But here the pigeons are without owners, and 
if those which belong to us can be made to attract other 
birds, we shall soon have a large colony of pigeons to 
till the house we have built; it will accommodate a 
great number. ’ ’ 

‘‘And how can you make our pigeons attract oth- 
ers?’’ asked Fritz: “it must be a very clever plan.” 

“So it is, Fritz, yet extremely simple. Pigeons are 
very fond of the odor of the anise-plant ; it will there- 
fore be only necessary to rub the edges of the pigeon- 
holes with oil made from aniseed, and the pigeons in 
passing in and out will carry some on their wings, and 
the aromatic odor will attract others to follow them to 
their home.” 

“What a simple experiment!” exclaimed Fritz, 
‘ ‘ and almost like sorcery ! But how are we to obtain 
the oil? ” 

“Very easily,” I replied: “a few of the seeds of 
the plant must be placed in a mortar, and pressed till 
the oil is extracted. The whole mass must then be 
strained through a cloth, to separate the seeds from the 
oil, and this oil, when mixed with lime and salt, forms 
a kind of paste.” 

Fritz readily assisted in preparing this paste, which 
produced a very agreeable and aromatic smell; and 
in a very short time, the pigeon-holes having been 
rubbed slightly with it, the pigeons, which had hitherto 
been kept in a cage, were introduced to their new 
abode. 

When the younger boys arrived from Falconhurst, 
and found the pigeon-house finished and the birds 
placed in it, they were delighted beyond measure. 
They climbed up the rope ladder which I had used while 
working, they peeped in through the window in the 
rock, and saw that the birds appeared quite happy, 
hopping from perch to perch, and not seeming the least 
343 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


afraid even when I drew up and let down the trap- 
door, which entirely covered the pigeon-holes, and 
made the birds prisoners. 

Two days passed, and then I felt some curiosity as 
to the result of my magic paste. On the third morn- 
ing I awoke Fritz at an early hour, and desired him to 
mount the rope ladder and again touch the edges of 
the pigeon-holes with aniseed paste. We then returned 
to our sleeping-chamber in the cavern, which had been 
made habitable for summer, but was not yet suitable 
as winter quarters, and woke the sleepers. 

After a hasty breakfast, I made the announcement 
that I intended to release the imprisoned pigeons. All 
my family came out at once, and stood in the open air 
beneath the pigeon-house. I then, in an imposing man- 
ner, began to murmur a few indistinct words, while 
with my stick I made magic circles in the air, and gave 
a sign to Jack to draw up the trap-door by the string 
which hung near him. 

Presently we saw the pigeons appear at the entrance, 
then they put out their heads timidly, and examined 
the unknown world cautiously. Suddenly, with rush- 
ing wings, they rose in the air, and were quickly out of 
sight, and my wife and the children believed they were 
lost to us forever. 

Not so, however, for after a few turns in the air, as 
if to stretch their wings, the flock returned, and ap- 
peared ready to reenter the pigeon-house, as if it had 
been their home for years. 

But my pleasure at this sight was quickly damped, 
for suddenly the three foreign birds, instead of follow- 
ing the example of their European friends, suddenly 
rose in the air and took the way to Falcon ^s Nest, so 
that I at once gave them up for lost. 

The four tame pigeons, however, made no attempt to 
fly away, but fluttered round us in a most friendly man- 
ner. We threw some peas on the ground, which they 
344 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


picked up, and then returned to the pigeon-house with 
the greatest readiness. 

The absence of the foreigners occupied all our 
thoughts and conversation. We could undertake no 
employment out of sight of the pigeon-house ; but even- 
ing arrived without any signs of the fugitives return- 
ing. 

Next morning, as they did not appear, all hopes of 
their return seemed lost, and we were obliged to con- 
tinue our work within the cave. About noon. Jack, who 
had gone outside for a few moments, came rushing 
hack, clapping his hands joyfully, and exclaiming, 

‘‘Here he is! here he is truly! He has come back!’^ 

“Who has come hack!^’ we all asked; “where! 
where!’’ 

“The blue pigeon!” cried Jack, still louder; “the 
blue pigeon ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! ’ ’ 

“Nonsense!” cried Ernest, “it is not likely that one 
would return alone.” 

“I do not consider it nonsense,” I remarked, “for if 
one is returning, the others are sure to follow.” 

At this we all rushed out of the cave, and to our sur- 
prise found not only one of our three fugitives, but a 
second stranger, evidently his mate, standing on the 
outer platform of the pigeon-house. Presently the 
blue pigeon flew through the hole, and then nodded his 
head and cooed to invite the stranger to follow him. 

At last she was persuaded to enter, and we saw with 
great satisfaction that this pair at least were likely to 
remain in their new home. The children wished at 
once to shut down the trap-door to secure the new 
guest, hut I persuaded them from doing so, saying it 
would be sure to frighten the new-comers. 

“Besides,” I added, “we must leave the entrance 
open for the other two, and not shut the door in their 
faces.” 

While I thus spoke, Fritz, who had turned his keen 

345 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


eyes towards the distance, suddenly exclaimed, ‘‘Here 
they come ! here they come I ^ ’ And in a very few min- 
utes we saw approaching the pigeon-house another of 
the blue pigeons and his companion. 

My boys set up such cries of joy at this sight, that 
the poor birds were quite startled, and would most 
probably have flown away had they not been fatigued. 
I, however, imposed silence, and, after some hesitation, 
they entered the pigeon-holes and disappeared. 

For a time after this all work was set aside, while the 
mother and Frank went in to prepare our evening 
meal. Presently the little fellow returned alone, and 
approaching us, gravely placed his hand on his breast 
as a herald-at-arms, bowed his head, and said, 

‘‘Most noble and reverend sirs, I am commanded by 
my honored mother, the queen of this island, to con- 
gratulate you on the arrival from the Moluccas of an- 
other superb visitor, Goldenwing, and his wife, who 
have done us the honor to request admission for the 
night to the beautiful hotel which you have con- 
structed. ’ ’ 

In great amusement we rushed out, and there, on 
the platform in front of the pigeon-holes, stood a third 
pair of beautiful pigeons with gold-colored wings, who 
were being invited by the recent arrivals to enter and 
join them. 

We waited and watched till we saw the two strangers 
enter, and then repaired to our dwelling-room in the 
cavern to enjoy our supper, and soon after we retired 
to rest, well satisfied with the events of the day. 


346 


CHAPTEE XXVI 

jack’s ADVENTUEE — THE STEANDED WHALE 

D UEING the evening, and the whole of the next day, 
we watched anxiously our pigeon colony, and saw, 
to our great satisfaction, that the birds were becom- 
ing quite reconciled to their new quarters. In a few 
days they commenced building their nests, and for this 
purpose collected various materials. 

Among these I noticed a kind of green fibrous moss, 
which I had sometimes seen hanging on old trees like 
monster untrimmed beards. I now, however, remem- 
bered having read that in the West Indies this moss 
was used instead of horse-hair for stuffing mattresses 
and other articles. 

I at once mentioned this discovery to the mother, in 
the hope that she might be able to find it useful. Her 
imagination took fire at once at the sight of this 
fibrous material, and my dear wife quickly expressed 
her wish that we should gather as much as possible of 
this moss, for after it had been cleaned and prepared, 
she felt sure of being able to stuff saddles, mattresses, 
pillows, and a hundred other articles for our use. 

The pigeons also from time to time brought us mus- 
catel-nuts, or nutmegs, which no doubt grew on some 
spot still unknown to us. These my wife planted in 
a piece of suitable ground, that in time we might have 
the nutmegs also near our dwelling. 

Our pigeons still occupied our eager attention. The 
three foreigners and their mates were by this time quite 
happy in their domicile, but the European pigeons mul- 
tiplied so rapidly, that I feared our beautiful favorites 
347 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


would be displaced, and at last driven away from their 
new quarters. 

Being rather puzzled to find food for so many, we 
were at last reluctantly obliged to use the European 
birds as a supply of nourishment for ourselves, by 
roasting and cooking the overplus for dinner. We re- 
duced our number to five pairs, besides the foreigners, 
and for these it was easy to provide. 

During all this time I and the boys continued our 
work in the cave, with very little incident to vary our 
daily duties, until Jack met with an adventure which 
broke the monotony. One morning, after being absent 
for two or three hours, he presented himself before us 
in a most deplorable condition, covered from head to 
foot with thick green mud. He carried, however, in 
his arms a large bundle of Spanish canes, but he had 
lost one of his shoes, and looked ready to cry when his 
brothers laughed at his appearance. 

‘^What have you been about?^’ I asked, checking the 
laughter of the boys. 

Gathering reeds behind the powder magazine in 
the marsh. I wanted to make some baskets and cages, 
and IVe got all these,’’ he rephed, holding them be- 
fore me. 

‘^Why, they are as dirty as you are. Jack; there was 
no occasion to creep through the duck-pond for them. ’ ’ 
didn’t, papa: at least, not on purpose; but I saw 
such beauties growing on the edge of the marsh, that 
I couldn’t help trying to get at them. There seemed 
to be tufts of firm earth growing here and there, and 
I jumped from one to the other quite safely till I got 
near the reeds, and then my foot slipped and in I went, 
first up to my ankles, and then to my knees, and there 
I stuck, and began to scream with all my might, but no 
one came to help me, excepting my poor little jackal.” 

‘‘Did he come to you?” asked Ernest. 

“Yes, indeed,” replied the boy; “and set up such a 

348 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


barking and bowling, that the sound echoed round the 
rocks awfully. But he couldn’t help me, and no one 
heard our cries. At last, in my terror, I thought of 
the reeds: I could just reach them with my hunting- 
knife. So I cut down this bundle and laid it on the 
marshy pool, to form a kind of bank, and while I rested 
my body upon it, I was able to set my legs free, but I 
left one of my shoes behind.” 

^‘So I perceive,” I replied; ‘^but how did you man- 
age to get away at last, Jack!” 

‘^Oh, papa, so funnily,” he said, laughing. got 
astride the bundle of reeds, and caught hold of the 
jackal’s tail. Of course he ran back to the dry ground 
quickly enough, but I held fast, and so he dragged me 
and the reeds to the bank in no time. But I never had 
such a fright in my life as when I felt myself sinking 
in the marsh. I thought it was all over with me. ’ ’ 

^^You ought to thank God for saving you, my boy,” 
I said; ‘^and not only also for the poor animal being 
there on the spot, but that you had the courage and the 
presence of mind to act as you did.” 

While the boy went with his mother to be cleaned 
from the mud, I examined the reeds, and found they 
were the finest species of Spanish cane, which, when 
washed, would be useful for many things, and particu- 
larly in preparing parts of a loom for my wife. 

I commenced my task the same day by splitting two 
of the largest reeds into four, to form a frame for the 
warp. I then desired the boys to cut some of the more 
slender into small pieces, and sharpen them, for the 
teeth of the comb, telling them at the same time not to 
say a word to their mother of what we were doing. 

The treadle and the shuttle for the woof were soon 
completed, and the curiosity of the boys made them ask 
all manner of questions respecting this strange ma- 
chine, especially as each part was carefully set aside 
and hidden when finished. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


At last I told them not to be surprised if they found 
I had made a musical instrument called a ‘‘turn- turn/’ 
such as the Hottentots use, which would play a tune 
when their mother beat time with her foot. They knew 
I was in joke, and laughed merrily ; but when at length 
the weaving-loom was finished and presented to their 
mother, they quickly understood its value, and watched 
her with the greatest interest while she practiced the 
different movements. 

Her great joy at this unexpected appearance of the 
loom was sufficient reward to me for my trouble. 

About this time the onager presented us with a beau- 
tiful little foal, very much resembling herself. This 
promised to be a great addition in the future to our 
animals for riding; and as it grew older, its graceful, 
rapid movements made me give him the name of Swift. 

For several days after I had finished the loom we 
employed ourselves in completing the preparations for 
winter in the interior of our grotto. The distance of 
fresh water was also a difficulty, and would be worse in 
winter. To obviate this, I determined to erect a foun- 
tain, and to connect it by pipes of hollow bamboo canes 
with the sago-tree conduits at Zeltheim. An open cask 
served as a basin for our fountain, and a smaller one 
hung near as a kind of swinging trough, to receive the 
overflow of the water. For the present, imperfect as 
it was, it answered our purpose, and my wife assured 
me it gave her quite as much pleasure as if it were a 
marble basin supported by sea-horses or dolphins. 

As we now each day expected the commencement of 
the second rainy season, it became necessary, while 
the weather remained favorable, to gather in from 
our gardens and plantations a store of fruit, vegeta- 
bles, and roots. 

We all, therefore, employed ourselves in this work, 
and very soon a good supply of potatoes, rice, guavas, 
sweet acorns, pine-cones, anise-roots, and as many of 
350 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the cave, the upper end reaching the roof. Jack’s 
agility made me choose him to climb this pole, and to 
carry with him a pulley fastened to a stake, and a ham- 
mer. Following my instructions, he drove into a cleft 
of the. rock the wooden stake upon which the pulley 
was fastened. A long string was passed through the 
pulley, the ends of which reached the ground. 

Jack now descended, and alighted on a mattress 
which I had placed on the floor in case he should slip, 
and held firmly one end of the string, while to the other 
I fastened a large lantern which we had brought from 
the wreck. 

This lantern, being filled with oil and containing 
four wicks, burnt brightly; and when I drew it up to 
the roof at the top of the bamboo cane, the crystal walls 
sparkled in its light, and we could see to the deepest 
part of the cave. 

We could continue our work now with greater ease; 
and on the next day Ernest and Frank busied them- 
selves in fitting up shelves against the wall of the in- 
ner dwelling-room, to hold our books, which they ar- 
ranged in rows in different divisions. Meanwhile the 
mother and Jack placed the various articles used for 
cooking on a kind of dresser, which I had formed of 
planks against the wall in the outer room, while Fritz, 
being the strongest of the boys, assisted me in fitting 
up shelves and nails in the workshop for the glittering 
instruments and tools contained in the captain’s chest, 
and fixing in one corner his turning-lathe. 

There was also a little forge that had belonged to the 
ship’s smith, a pair of bellows, and an anvil, all of 
which we placed together at the opposite corner. The 
carpenter ’s bench stood in the center of our workshop, 
and the tools and other articles of all sizes and shapes 
were hung on the walls. 

The enormous quantity of articles found in the chests 
^ the ship’s carpenter, smith, cooper, and tanner as- 
353 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


tonished me, for after all we had used there still re- 
mained screws, nails, pegs, door-handles and hinges, 
bolts and hooks, besides ladders and steps, and parts 
of wheelbarrows ready to put together when wanted. 

Ernest and Frank had in the meantime arranged our 
books in classes, and I was surprised to find what a 
number we had. Some of these we had brought with 
us from Europe, and others were fortunately saved 
from the wreck: Voyages and Travels, Natural His- 
tories with colored engravings, and many other learned 
and interesting books, besides a box of mathematical 
and astronomical instruments, maps and charts, and 
an excellent terrestrial globe. 

I noticed also grammars and dictionaries of various 
languages, and among them those of the English 
tongue, which pleased me greatly. 

.Fritz and Ernest had learnt English at school, and 
could speak and write it a little during our stay in 
England. I also had studied this language, which is 
principally used among seafaring men. With French 
we were all as well acquainted as with our own native 
Swiss. 

We talked over all this wonderful library during our 
evening meal, and the boys were glad of the oppor- 
tunity of continuing the study of languages. 

The mother, who had become acquainted with a 
Dutch family at the Cape of Good Hope, could express 
herself very well in that language. Jack, however, 
seemed to consider the Italian and Spanish languages 
much more worth the trouble of learning. Spanish, 
he said, was such a grand-sounding language. 

After much talk, it was decided that we should all 
study Getaan and French. English and Dutch were 
to be carried on by the mother and her two elder boys. 
Ernest, however, wished to learn Latin, as the root of 
all languages, as well as to continue his favorite studies 
of natural history and medicine. 

354 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


For myself, I determined to search among the books 
for a Malay grammar, for it was not at all unlikely 
that we might have a visit from the natives of the East 
India islands.* 

I prophesied that, after awhile, our castle in the 
rocks would become a perfect little Babel, in which we 
should be addressing each other in the ditferent lan- 
guages of Europe, creating as much confusion as those 
foolish builders of a tower which they intended should 
reach the sky. 

There still remained useful articles in the chests 
which we had not yet opened; and when at last we 
found time to do so, many unexpected treasures pre- 
sented themselves — several looking-glasses, two con- 
sole tables with polished marble tops, a chest of draw- 
ers, two well-furnished writing desks, and other fancy 
articles. 

In another chest we discovered a musical box, a 
chronometer, and a sea-watch, which I own I did not 
know how to use. In short, we found ourselves rich 
beyond what we had imagined possible: and, indeed, 
the twelve weeks in which we were shut up in our win- 
ter quarters passed away so quickly that many articles 
I had intended to make were not even begun. Among 
these were a yoke for the ox and the butfalo, a pair of 
carding machines for the cotton-wool, and a spinning- 
reel, without which the mother’s work was at a stand- 
still. 

We were, however, lodged like princes, and perhaps 
should have considered ourselves royal residents had 
we not been reminded each moment that all this gran- 
deur came from other sources, and that ^‘fine feathers 
make fine birds.” However, my dear housefolk began 
to consider that our winter residence ought to have 
another name, and wished it to be rather a grand one. 
I agreed at last that it should be called Rock Castle. 

* Now included under the term Australasia. 

355 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Towards the end of August the rainy season came 
to an end ; at least, so we had hoped ; but the weather, 
although at times clear, became very stormy, and the 
rolling waves that broke so fiercely on the shore, from 
the force of the hurricane, were frightful. Rain, 
thunder, and lightning continued for hours without 
intermission, and lashed the ocean into fury. It 
seemed as if all nature was given up to destruction, 
and we were only too thankful for the shelter of our 
rocky dwelling, for to have remained in safety at Fal- 
con’s Nest during such weather would have been im- 
possible. 

At length the sky began to clear, and as by degrees 
the wind and storm subsided, the rain ceased, and when 
the sun appeared, we ventured to open the door of 
our noble republic and again step out into the free 
air. 

With wonder I remarked the strange signs of vege- 
tation around us, forming the most striking contrast 
to the traces of destruction everywhere else visible. 
We walked towards the chain of rocks near Jackal Bay, 
and presently the sharp eyes of Fritz discovered some- 
thing large and round that appeared to be lying on 
the little island near Flamingo Marsh. He took it at 
first for a sloop capsized in the storm. 

I examined the object through my telescope, but 
even then felt unable to distinguish what it could pos- 
sibly be, although it was evidently not a vessel of any 
kind. Having been so long shut up in the house, we 
were all ready to embark on board our boat and sail 
out at once to the spot. But the bark boat or pirogue, 
which we had to fetch from its little dock near Fla- 
mingo Marsh, was so filled with water, that after baling 
it out and rearranging the rigging and tackle, we found 
it too late to start till the following day. 

We were ready very soon after breakfast the next 
morning, and I went on board with Fritz and Ernest. 
356 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Jack, who was the most eager on the matter, placed 
himself at the helm to steer. 

As we approached, our various conjectures were 
very amusing; but my impression, soon after we 
started, proved correct — a large whale lay stranded on 
the island, evidently thrown there by the violence of 
the waves. I went round the island to discover a safe 
landing-place, and entered at last a little creek, from 
which we went on shore on a sandy beach. 

I was pleased to find that this little island, which I 
could cross in ten or fifteen minutes, was already in 
some parts very fertile, and that by care and culture 
its fertility could be greatly increased. 

It appeared to be the resort of marine birds, for we 
found several nests containing young ones, but these 
my boys did not meddle with, although they collected 
several eggs to take home to their mother. 

Two ways presented themselves to enable us to reach 
the stranded whale — one over the rocks, and the other 
a longer distance, but on level ground. I chose the 
former, and in my way climbed to a high point, from 
which I could command the whole island. The boys, 
however, chose the level road. 

The landscape, although fertile, was deficient in the 
growth of trees, and formed, in that respect, a great 
contrast to Falcon’s Nest and the opposite coast near 
Zeltheim, as well as the shore near Eock Castle, all 
of which I could easily distinguish from the height on 
which I stood. 

Presently joyful shouts made me turn to the point 
at which lay the stranded whale; but the boys, who 
had not yet reached the monster fish, were standing at 
the foot of the rocks near the shore, and calling to 
me. 

‘‘Papa, papa! please just stop a minute: we have 
found such a quantity of shell-fish, and some pieces of 
rock that look like coral; do come and look.” 

357 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I descended to the shore, and discovered that the 
violence of the storm and the force of the waves had 
thrown np quantities of shell-fish and broken off por- 
tions of a coral rock. 

“What is coral, papaT^ asked Jack. 

“It is in some wonderful manner produced by a 
small creature, a kind of polypus. Many thousands of 
these creatures live in societies like ants ; they pile the 
coral to form their curious dwellings one upon another, 
until they become coral rocks of large size, and when 
they reach the sea the surface of these rocks is ferti- 
lized by rain and the influence of the atmosphere, and 
they become coral islands.’’ 

“Why, papa,” said Fritz, “the coral might be said 
to belong to the three natural kingdoms, the animal, 
the vegetable, and the mineral, for it grows in the form 
of the branches of trees and shrubs, it is the work of 
a worm, and the coral is as hard as stone. ’ ’ 

“Your remark is quite right, Fritz; and indeed the 
coral insect may be said to belong to the crustaceous 
animals, and the cells which they build for dwellings 
in such a wonderful manner are calcareous, and be- 
come hardened by the influence of the water. ’ ’ 

“What an immense beast it is!” said Fritz, as we 
approached the whale; “it does not appear half so 
large at a distance. I wish it could be useful to us, 
but I’m afraid there will not be much gained out of 
such a great carcass. ’ ’ 

“Oh!” exclaimed Ernest, “you forget that the blub- 
ber and the whalebone are useful as well as the skin; 
yet I like all this supply of shell-fish best. ’ ’ 

“Well,” I replied, “I think this inspection will con- 
tent us for the present. After dinner no doubt the sea 
will have become calmer, and we can return and see 
whether the stranded whale cannot be found as useful 
as any other of our discoveries.” 

The young people readily turned to retrace their 

358 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


steps, excepting perhaps Ernest, who appeared to wish 
to be left alone on the island, like a real Eobinson 
Crusoe. 

Thank God, my boy,’’ I said, cheerfully, ‘‘that He 
has not gratified your wish, but surrounded you with 
dear parents and brothers, instead of condemning you 
to the lonely life of a man separated from all his spe- 
cies. God has created man for society, and although 
the entertaining story of Eobinson Crusoe is embel- 
lished with poetic fancies quite delightful to read, yet 
his lonely position must have been full of sadness. 
We can look upon ourselves as a whole family of real 
Eobinsons, but far better otf, because we have each 
other for companions.” 

By this time we had reached the boat, and stepped 
on board. But the boys found it a heavy task to row 
through the tossing waves, and I had to exert my 
whole strength to st^eer, as well as to bale out the wa- 
ter with which the dashing waves constantly filled 
it. 

“Ah!” I said, “if we could only find some large 
clockwork wheels about the size of those in a tower- 
clock, we might very possibly proceed without trou- 
bling ourselves.” 

“Why, papa,” said Fritz, “there are two large iron 
wheels in our rock castle, and two spits which mamma 
uses for roasting; could not we fix them on the boat?” 

“Possibly,” I replied; “but until they are fixed we 
must use our arms and shoulders at the oars. In the 
meantime, dear Fritz, thank you for the hint, which 
may perhaps be carried out.” 

“Can coral be made useful, papa?” asked Jack, as 
we walked from the shore to our home in the rocks. 

“Yes,” I replied, “in many ways. It is ground to 
powder and used by chemists in preparing medicine. 
Necklaces and other ornaments made of the red coral 
are worn by European ladies, and even those pieces 
359 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


you have picked up can be placed as ornaments on the 
shelves of our library. ’ ^ 

We talked about the coral insect during dinner, for 
the mother and little Frank were delighted with the 
pieces we brought home, and they both expressed a 
wish to accompany us in the afternoon if the sea were 
calm, that they might have a look at the great whale 
and the coral reef. 

should like to see this great creature,’’ said my 
wife, ‘ ‘ and you can easily tow the empty herring-casks 
behind the boat. You will he sure to find them use- 
ful.” 

‘^Of course I can,” I replied: ‘‘thank you for the 
hint ; but the sea is a capricious patron, and although 
it is calm now, it may not continue so, and, after de- 
taining us till we were nearly starved, might send us 
home across the marsh in a miserable condition.” 

The weather, however, promised to he favorable, so 
I determined to fasten behind our boat the empty her- 
ring-casks, to be filled with the useful parts of the 
whale, especially the train oil. I had long wished to 
be able to burn a light in our lantern all night, and 
therefore the blubber of the creature would supply us 
with a most valuable store. The boys loaded the 
empty casks with tools and firearms, and foot-straps 
to enable them to mount the great fish. 

Our progress with the boat was as difficult as in the 
morning, although the sea was calmer, and was per- 
formed amidst many sighs from the boys, as they 
rowed against the tide: with all our efforts we could 
not on this account land near the whale ; it was there- 
fore necessary to place our boat and the casks in a 
place of safety while we proceeded on foot to the spot 
where it lay. 

At first sight of the enormous mass, my wife and 
Frank were quite startled; and no wonder, for I con- 
jectured that the whale could not be less than sixty 
360 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


feet long, and nearly thirty feet in thickness near the 
head, and in weight it must have exceeded two hundred 
tons. 

The most remarkable thing appeared, however, to 
be the fact that the head should be one-third the length 
of the whole body, and the eyes not larger than those 
of an ox. The interior of the jaw was lined with 
long, dark, and flexible bones, some of them in the 
roof of the mouth being at least ten or twelve feet 
long. 

These, I told the boys, were called ‘‘whalebone,’’ 
and very useful in many ways, as well as a most valua- 
ble article of commerce. 

Another circumstance that surprised us all was the 
size of the tongue, which if removed would have 
weighed nearly a thousand pounds. The deep abyss 
of the frightful throat also created great surprise 
among the boys, and Fritz expressed his wonder that 
such an enormous monster should have such a small 
gullet. And this wonder was natural, for it appeared 
scarcely large enough to admit my arm. 

‘ ‘ The whale cannot certainly be able to swallow any- 
thing but small fish, ’ ’ said Fritz. 

“The whale in this particular resembles slightly 
some of our large land animals, ’ ’ I replied, ‘ ‘ excepting 
that they live on plants and seeds as ordained by na- 
ture. The whale, on the contrary, feeds on small fish, 
and even worms and insects ; its special food is a small 
sea-insect like a lobster, found in immense numbers 
in the icy seas of the North and South Poles. These 
are swallowed in large quantities by the whale in the 
water he drinks. This water he sometimes discharges 
through his nostrils with a force that resembles a wa- 
terspout, especially when attacked by whale-fishers. 
Such a volume of water, as it rises in the air with steam 
and foam, will often capsize the boat, and endanger 
the lives of the fishers. — But we must now commence 
361 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


our work with this leviathan, or evening will come upon 
us before we are aware. ’ ’ 

Fritz and Jack instantly slipped on the foot-straps, 
and, mounting on the back of the whale, ran over the 
monster from the tail to the head. I then desired 
Fritz to cut off the upper lip with his hatchet, while I 
separated the lower part from the jaw with my chop- 
per. This exposed the whalebone, and gave me an 
opportunity to remove from the head nearly a hun- 
dred strips. The mother, assisted by Ernest and 
Frank, then took possession of the whalebone, and car- 
ried it to the boat, while I and the other boys were ex- 
erting our utmost strength in separating from the 
whale a portion of the skin. 

All at once appeared a number of uninvited specta- 
tors of our work.. The air was filled with carrion 
birds of all descriptions, while their numbers seemed 
to increase every minute. They whirled round us in 
a circle, and at last alighted on the prey with such 
greediness and boldness, that they positively snatched 
away the pieces of flesh we had cut otf even before our 
eyes. 

The question now arose, which would prove the 
stronger, the feathered or unfeathered claimants for 
the dead whale! And we were obliged to strike right 
and left with our tools to destroy our invaders. 

Gladly the mother gathered up the dead and wounded 
birds, for the sake of the feathers. 

After this I separated from the whale a part of the 
entrails and the sinews or muscles of the tail ; but these 
I decided to leave till the morning, as I knew we had 
already quite enough for a boatload. I only waited, 
therefore, to cut a piece from the wonderful tongue, 
which I had read was considered a delicate dish by 
Europeans. 

By this time evening was approaching, and after 
loading our boat and the casks with a heavy freight, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


we rowed out vigorously to sea, with eager anxiety to 
reach home as soon as possible, and purify ourselves 
after this horrible employment. 

Next morning early we again started in our boat to 
the island, but my wife and Frank remained on shore 
this time, for the work would be, as I knew, most dis- 
gusting and unpleasant, the entrails of the animal, and 
other parts containing blubber or train oil, having to 
be removed. 

We found the Greenlander safe on the same spot, and 
surrounded by a still greater number of these bold 
carrion birds, that almost deafened us with their cries. 

Before commencing our task, we dressed ourselves 
in jackets, vests, and coarse shirts, which my wife had 
searched for in one of the sea-chests, to preserve our 
other clothes from pollution, and then the work began 
in earnest. 

After disembowelling the monster, we threw the 
refuse to a distance, to attract the birds away from us, 
only retaining those parts most suitable for producing 
train oil, and also long pieces of the skin. 

This work occupied the whole day, and we were be- 
ginning to feel both hungry and thirsty, for we had 
not been able to eat much while working. Before sun- 
set, however, I felt satisfied with what we had obtained 
from the whale. We therefore returned with our 
spoils to the boat, and after a refreshing bath, during 
which we found some large sea-shells, we hastened on 
board and rowed towards home. 

While on our way, J ack said, 

^ ‘ Papa, what made you so anxious to bring away all 
these disagreeable parts of the whale? What use are 
they?’’ 

^‘Of great use to mankind,” I replied. “In coun- 
tries where no trees grow to provide wood for casks, 
and no hemp to make ropes, the inhabitants, such as 
the Greenlanders, the Esquimaux, and the Samoiedans, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


find substitutes for these articles in parts of the whale, 
— the entrails for one purpose, and the sinews for the 
other. The finer parts of the latter they use as thread 
for sewing their clothes and boots, while the former is 
as valuable to them as to us, for it produces lamp or 
train oil. The sinews are also useful in many coun- 
tries to make strings for musical instruments, little 
air-balloons, and ’’ 

“What, papa!’’ they all exclaimed, “air-balloons! 
Oh! you cannot mean those large ones which carry 
people through the air!” 

“No, my children,” I replied, “only those which are 
to ascend in a room. Large air-balloons are made of 
silk, and varnished with caoutchouc to render them air- 
tight. This is covered with a net of silken string, to 
which is attached the car or basket in which the aero- 
naut is seated. The upper part of the balloon is then 
filled with gas, and as gas is lighter than air, the bal- 
loon rises and floats easily among the clouds, and often 
above them.” 

“But how is gas made!” asked Jack. 

“You have seen gas often. Jack,” I said, “when a 
coal in the fire sends forth a kind of light smoke in a 
thin line ; this sometimes catches fire, and a little clear 
flame bursts forth, causing a bright light. The smoke 
which precedes the flame is so light, that burnt paper 
or even leaves are carried upwards upon it. This gas 
is now likely to be made useful for many purposes by 
scientific men, who assert that, after a time, we shall 
be able to light our streets and houses with gas, in- 
stead of candles or oil lamps.* 

After this, I explained to my boys something of the 
process by which the strings of musical instruments 

* The readers of this story will no doubt understand that in 1813 
the streets, houses, and shop windows, even in cities, were lighted 
only with oil lamps or candles. The custom of using gas, now so gen- 
eral, was only talked about then as an experiment that might possibly 
succeed. 

364 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


are prepared from the entrails of animals. In the 
midst of this conversation we reached the shore, where 
the good mother was expecting us ; hut she did not re- 
ceive us with a very friendly countenance, when she 
noticed the unpleasant odor from our cargo, the rich- 
ness and value of which she could not understand. 

On arriving at Eock Castle, the whole of the un- 
pleasant materials were concealed behind the rocks, 
until they could be again brought out, and cleansed 
and dried on the morrow; and then, after refreshing 
ourselves with water and changing our clothes, the 
mother admitted us at last into the rock house, where 
a plentiful supper had been prepared for us, to our 
great content. 


365 


4 


CHAPTER XXVII 

ROWING BY MACHINERY — THE TURTLE 

W E commenced our unpleasant task early next 
morning by loading the wheeled sledge with the 
spoil, and carrying away the disgusting odor of train 
oil as far as possible from our dwelling. 

The result of this work, however, was not to be 
despised. We filled several casks with rarefied fat 
and oil thoroughly purified by fire, and during our ab- 
sence the mother and Frank plucked and cleaned the 
birds, some of which proved eatable, but the remainder 
were not wasted, for the refuse formed a very accepta- 
ble feast to our animals, including the ducks and 
geese. The feathers also were of great value to us. 

After all these undertakings were completed, my 
wife proposed that we should establish a new col- 
ony on the island on which- the whale had been 
stranded, as it appeared to be free from apes and wild 
beasts. This proposition gave me great pleasure ; and, 
as usual with anything new, the boys were delighted. 
They were ready to spring into the boat at once had 
I not reminded them that we must wait for suitable 
weather, and also that the boat required to be cleansed 
from the consequences of its last cargo. 

I then also recalled to Fritz his remark respecting 
the two iron wheels and the roasting-spits. He was, 
of course, eager to find them for me; and while the 
boys cleaned the boat, I endeavored to carry out the 
idea of assisting the progress of the new vessel by 
wheels on each side, to be turned by wind, or water, 
or both.* 

*The original of this tale was written in 1813, therefore the move- 

366 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I chose the strongest of the spits, and passed it 
through the two sides of the boat below the hanging 
seats, resting it upon a square piece of iron in the 
center, to which it was fastened. The ends projected 
beyond the boat on each side, and upon these ends I 
placed the wheels, to turn as on an axis. In each end 
of the spit I managed to drill a hole for the linch-pin, 
to keep the wheels in place. 

In front of these I arranged two smaller wheels, 
formed of whalebone, to turn in the wind like a wind- 
mill, and the action of these as they touched the larger 
wheels caused them to move, and propelled the boat 
forward.* 

When all this was finished, I proposed a trial trip 
to the boys, which proposal they received with great 
joy. Tliey wished to proceed at once to the island, 
but it was already late, and we therefore could only 
make this trial for a short distance towards Deliver- 
ance Bay. 

Our success was delightful. There was just enough 
wind to turn the windmill wheels pleasantly, and we 
glided along upon the water with surprising rapidity. 
I promised, however, that on the following day we 
would all embark on board the boat, and take with us 
enough provisions for a long voyage, to the promon- 
tory of False Hope, or Prospect Hill, and Wood 
Grange, to inspect our little colony of animals. 

This proposal caused great joy. Then followed the 
preparation of arms and a store of provisions with such 
earnestness, that at last the boys betook themselves, 
tired, to bed, to dream of the morrow. 

ment of wheels by steam was at this time very little known, and less 
understood. The author had, however, no doubt heard of the talked-of 
invention, and he lived long enough to see it carried out, not only for 
steamships, but in railway traveling. 

* This contrivance is often made use of in erecting a vane or weather- 
cock. 


367 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Amongst this store was a piece of the whale’s tongue, 
which my wife had salted and boiled. It was care- 
fully packed in fresh leaves and placed in a tin can to 
take with us, at the earnest request of Frank, who said 
it looked delicious. 

We were ready betimes next morning; and, after 
placing our provisions on board, my wife and the boys 
arranged themselves comfortably in the boat, while I 
placed myself at the helm, and steered into the cur- 
rent that flowed from the Jackal Eiver to the sea. 
Very soon Whale Island was left behind, and my ma- 
chine performed its part so cleverly, that we in a short 
time found ourselves approaching the coast lying be- 
neath Prospect Hill. 

I steered for ai little distance along the shore, which 
presented a most attractive appearance from the wa- 
ter, although a great contrast to the wooded region of 
Falconhurst, or the rocks at Zeltheim. 

The landscape presented to our view a rising ground, 
commencing to the right at the foot of the bridge of 
rocks, which, with its fertile growth of plants and 
shrubs in full flower, looked like a terrace garden. To 
the left lay Whale Island, green even to the water’s 
edge, while the dark blue waves of the ocean broke 
over the shore with a rippling sound. Beyond lay the 
trees of Wood Grange, decked in the pale green foliage 
of spring, and crowned by the cocoanuts and palm- 
trees of Prospect Hill. 

I steered our little skiff to the shore near Wood 
Grange, and, stepping out of the boat, we sought the 
shade of some large cocoanut-trees which grew near; 
I wished also to carry a few young plants back in the 
boat, to increase our plantation at Zeltheim. 

We had scarcely landed when the crow of a cock 
in the distance reminded us of our European home 
and of a legend of my country, that the crow of a cock 
indicates to the tired traveler the existence of a home 
368 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


concealed by trees, and a hospitable roof beneath which 
he can be sheltered and made welcome. 

I saw how deeply my wife was moved by the sound, 
and I hastened to control my own emotion by entering 
at once into the business of cutting shoots from the 
cocoanut-trees, and speaking to the boys in loud tones. 

After collecting all we required, we again stepped 
into the boat, and steered towards Prospect Hill. I 
remembered a little bay there, on which I determined 
to land, beneath the shade of some tall mangrove-trees 
which grow chiefly on the sea-coast. The mangrove 
pushes forth from the roots long dry branches, which 
cover the shore and protect it from the fury of the 
waves. 

We gathered several shoots also from these trees, 
which were tied in bundles and placed in the boat, and 
then we climbed up Prospect Hill, and descending on 
the inland side, proceeded to our new farm. All ap- 
peared in order and comfort, and the number of sheep, 
goats, and fowls had greatly increased ; but I was sur- 
prised to find that they fled at our approach, and not 
only the lambs, kids, and chickens, but even the parent 
animals and fowls who had been so tame. 

My boys, after their voyage, had a longing for fresh 
eggs and goats ’ milk ; but when at last they attempted 
to catch one of the goats, she butted at them, and kept 
them at a distance. I contrived after awhile to throw 
a string round her hind legs, which brought her to a 
standstill, and then they fed her with potatoes and 
salt, while my wife milked her, and brought us two 
cocoanuts full of the sweet fresh milk. One of these 
we saved to drink with our dinner, the other my wife 
poured into an empty flask to take home with her. 
After this, Fritz released the legs of the goat and set 
her free. 

We had no difficulty in obtaining eggs, for when my 
wife threw rice and oats to them, the hens rushed from 
369 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


their nests, and the boys carried away a few eggs from 
each. 

By this time we were all ready for dinner, though 
our provisions were cold, having been cooked at home, 
for cooking on the journey would have delayed us too 
long. We had been looking forward to the piece of 
the whale’s tongue as a great treat; but the first taste 
was enough : the supposed delicacy could scarcely have 
been eaten by a sailor with the appetite of an ostrich, 
and we were obliged to throw it to the jackal, the only 
animal we had brought with us. 

A search for sugar-canes, to take away the horrid 
oily taste, was necessary before we could make our 
dinner on what was left of the mother’s store and the 
goats ’ milk. 

After dinner we descended to the shore and stepped 
on board the boat, with the intention of sailing round 
Cape False Hope; but the cape well deserved its name, 
for on reaching the other side of the promontory, we 
came suddenly on a large sandbank running far out 
into the sea. It was so high and so broad, that at low 
tide I could have walked over it easily. 

The spot was surrounded by rocks and reefs, and I 
felt truly that I had brought all my dear ones into 
great danger. I quickly steered my boat round from 
the place, and fortunately found a current of water 
in which it could float. We hoisted a sail, and a fresh 
breeze springing up, carried us back quickly towards 
Whale Island; but before we reached it, a singular 
spectacle presented itself at the end of the sandbank. 
It appeared to me at first like a ridge of black rocks ; 
but as I examined it more attentively, I could distin- 
guish a troupe of sea-dogs, roaring and barking, yet 
seemingly at play with each other. We lost no time 
after this in escaping from the neighborhood of such 
dreadful animals. 

On arriving at Whale Island, I went to work at once 

370 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to plant the young trees on this seemingly fertile spot, 
with the ready help of the boys ; but when this was ac- 
complished, they appeared disinclined to do anything 
more than wander about and gather shell-fish and coral. 

Presently I heard Jack approaching, and crying out 
at the top of his voice, 

^‘Papa! mamma! do come and see, I have found a 
skeleton — a frightful thing! I am sure it must be the 
skeleton of a mammoth. Do come.’’ 

^‘My boy,” I said, laughing, ‘‘you have seen the 
skeleton of the whale, no doubt.” 

“No, no,” he cried; “they are not fish-bones, papa, 
but large, strong animal bones and joints. The whale 
must have floated out Jo sea again ; this creature is 
much longer and higher out of the water. ’ ’ 

I was about to follow him to this wonderful sight, 
when another voice from an opposite direction cried, 

“Papa, papa, pray come! Here is an enormous 
turtle; he’s pulling me into the water — pray come!” 

This appeal came from Ernest, and was of far more 
importance than Jack’s skeleton, and, snatching up 
an oar, I rushed to his assistance. A few ste'ps 
brought me to the spot, where I found Ernest holding 
by the foot an enormous turtle. 

Quickly I approached, and, using the oar as a lever, 
placed the end under the turtle to turn him over on his 
back. It required, however, the united strength of 
Ernest and myself to perform this task. 

It was most certainly a creature of unusual size, and 
I imagined would measure eight feet in length and 
five in thickness. Being now unable to help himself 
or turn over, we left the turtle in safety, while we all 
hastened to another spot, to behold Jack’s skeleton of 
a mammoth. 

I quickly discovered that it was nothing more than 
the skeleton of the whale, the flesh of which had been 
so completely stripped from the bones by the birds, 
371 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


that they stood out clean and white, with not a morsel 
remaining. Even had I not recognized the creature 
by its form, I should have felt no doubt on the matter, 
for the prints of our feet were still visible in the sand 
around it. 

‘‘What on earth made you get such an idea into 
your head, my boy,’’ I said, “that this was the skele- 
ton of a mammoth?” 

“Well, papa, it was not my own idea, but our learned 
professor, Ernest, made me think it was a mammoth 
by what he said in joke, I suppose.” 

“And do you believe all that is told you, without 
question?” I asked. 

“Not always, papa; but I thought a whale would be 
sure to have the bones of a fish, and not like those of 
animals.” 

“No, my little man,” I replied; “the whale partakes 
of both natures, and, to enable it to swim, its bones are 
hollow, and the cavities are filled with air ; but in their 
form and appearance they certainly more closely re- 
semble those of a land animal than those of a fish. The 
bciies of birds are also hollow, and filled with air, which 
renders them buoyant and able to fly. We perceive in 
this the wisdom of the Creator, who gives to all crea- 
tures the powers they most need to preserve life.” 

“Papa,” said Fritz, “I think we might call this a 
mountain of bones, as an author in our fatherland 
once named the elephant. Can we not make some use 
of it?” 

“By-and-bye, perhaps: when the action of the waves 
and the influence of the sun have whitened the bones, 
we may find out what to do with our skeleton. But 
we must get home before sunset, and I do not wish to 
leave that great turtle behind, yet how we are to move 
such an enormous mass I cannot imagine.” 

“Papa,” cried Fritz, “why not make him tow us to 
land as we did the turtle we caught in the boat?” 

372 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


^ capital idea, my boy,’^ I replied; ^^come and as- 
sist me in carrying it out. ’ ^ 

I jumped on board, followed by Fritz, and in a few 
minutes I had emptied one of the fresh water-casks, 
and tied it with a strong rope to the fore part of the 
boat. The other end of the cord was fastened to the 
shell and fore legs of the turtle, and after turning him 
over, we hastily took our places in the boat. 

I seated myself in the prow, with my hatchet in readi- 
ness to cut the rope in case of danger. 

Finding himself free to move, the turtle rushed into 
the water, dragging the boat after him, but the rope 
attached to the empty cask prevented him from diving ; 
he, therefore, could only swim steadily towards the op- 
posite shore, drawing our little skiff after him as if he 
had been a towing-boat. 

The boys were highly amused, and Ernest laugh- 
ingly declared that our new aquatic carriage was like 
Neptune ^s car, drawn by dolphins. I was able to guide 
the boat towards Deliverance Bay by striking the water 
with the oar to the right or left when I wished our sea- 
horse to turn in an opposite direction. We landed 
at last safe, and, after conducting the boat to its 
place of shelter, I was obliged to take the life of 
the turtle, for I feared his great size and strength 
would render it impossible for us to keep him a pris- 
oner. 

I wanted the shell also for another fountain, and the 
flesh was always an acceptable dish to us all. My wife 
prepared a portion of it for our supper, of which we 
all partook with an appetite, for our disappointment at 
dinner-time in the whale’s tongue had made us rather 
hungry. 

It was my intention at the end of the rainy season 
to set apart about an acre of land, in which to sow the 
various kinds of seeds my wife had so carefully pre- 
served ; but many other necessary duties had presented 
373 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


themselves, so that the summer was too close at hand 
for me to carry out my purpose. 

My animals were also still unused to the yoke. I 
resolved, therefore, to set aside the field work till just 
before the next rainy season, and in the meantime, 
with the help of Ernest, fulfill my promise of finishing 
the loom for my wife. 

My first efforts had produced but a rough machine, 
which, however, had answered pretty well for a time, 
but was now almost useless. 

In my young days I had visited the workshops of 
weavers, and knew something of other trades, which 
knowledge helped me greatly in our present position. 
To complete this task, however, I still required the 
particular paste or weaver ’s glue with which they cover 
the thread to prevent it from slipping. 

In default of this necessary paste, I determined to 
try if fish glue would answer the same purpose. I had 
already contrived to make this gum clear and firm 
enough to be used as window-panes, which had the 
appearance of thin horn, and as these windows were 
placed very deep in the rocky wall to keep out the rain, 
they served the purpose admirably. 

Among other examples of my handiwork, of which 
I was rather proud, were two saddles and bridles, 
which I had made at the oft-repeated request of my 
boys, and the yoke. The saddletrees and the yoke I 
constructed of light wood, and covered them with the 
skin of the kangaroo and the fur of the seal-skin. To 
stuff them I used the long moss of the old trees which 
we discovered while the pigeons were building their 
nests. 

The leather for the bridles I made soft and flexible 
by soaking it in oil, and indeed my saddlery and har- 
ness-making were a complete success. The boys used 
their saddles and bridles with great satisfaction, but 
the animals were at first impatient under the yoke. 
374 


SWISS FAMILY. ROBINSON 


I managed them at last with firmness and kindness, 
although they were naturally wilder than poor old 
Grizzle the donkey. 

^ This work occupied some days, and for a second 
time we were visited by a shoal of herrings, of which 
we gathered a large number to add to our store of pro- 
visions. These were followed by the sea-dogs. The 
fur and skins of these creatures were much more val- 
uable to us now than on their former visit, as I had 
been using a quantity of leather lately for various pur- 
poses. We caught about twenty of these creatures of 
various sizes, and although their flesh was too oily to 
be eaten as food, we baited traps with it for the crabs 
at the entrance of the Jackal Eiver, and found the skin, 
the fur, the bladder, and the oil of the greatest use. 

While thus occupied, the boys had several times pe- 
titioned me to take them on a hunting or rather shoot- 
ing expedition to different parts of the island. 

I was quite ready to comply, but before doing so I 
felt it necessary to make two large baskets or panniers, 
for the mother to carry grain, fruits, or roots from the 
field to our home during our absence. For this pur- 
pose we gathered a quantity of willow rushes, which 
grew in abundance on the borders of the Jackal Eiver. 
For a first attempt at basket-making, I would not use 
the beautiful reeds which Jack had collected in the 
Flamingo Marsh. 

When finished, our baskets were not very shapely, 
but the trial taught us experience, and I decided to 
keep these panniers, which were coarse and strong, for 
carrying dust or clay, and make two larger and better 
ones of the Spanish canes. 

In this we were quite successful, and the boys, in 
their delight at seeing them completed, determined to 
give little Frank a ride. A bamboo cane was passed 
through the two handles on each side of the basket, 
Frank was lifted in, while Ernest and Jack took an 
375 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


end of eacli pole on their shoulders, as if they were 
palanquin-bearers, and started off at a run, to the great 
delight of Frank. 

^‘Papa,’’ cried Fritz, ‘‘could we not make a palan- 
quin of this kind for dear mamma 1 It would be much 
more pleasant for her than riding in our little cart, 
when she goes with us on our long excursions. ’ ^ 

The boys were overjoyed at the idea, and their 
mother said, 

“It would certainly be very agreeable to ride like 
a princess in a litter, and have nothing to do but 
look over the rim of the basket at the world around 
me. ’ ’ 

“The idea is not unreasonable,’’ I said, “and a suit- 
able basket could easily be made ; but who is to carry 
it? We have no slaves here, as they have in India, 
to bear the poles on their shoulders, and you are not 
strong enough, my boys, neither should I like to trust 
your mother with such young bearers.” 

“But, papa,” exclaimed Jack, “we have two very 
strong bearers — Storm and Grumbler: I am sure they 
would carry mamma carefully. May we try them now 
with Frank?” 

I gave the required permission readily, for I was 
curious to discover how the little men would manage. 
In a few moments Storm and Grumbler were saddled 
and bridled, and placed, one in front and the other 
behind the basket between the two poles, the ends of 
which were firmly fastened on each side of their sad- 
dles. I would not, however, allow Frank to remain 
in the basket while his brothers were teaching the ani- 
mals this new style of traveling; besides, I knew that 
Frank had more power over Grumbler than either of 
his brothers. The boy therefore mounted the young 
ox, who was to take the lead, and Jack rode the buf- 
falo behind. After a few runs the animals seemed to 
understand what was required of them, the greatest 
376 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


difficulty arising from the unequal steps, which gave a 
jolting sensation to the palanquin basket. 

This they assured me would soon be overcome, when 
the animals had learnt to trot and gallop in step. 
While drawing the heavy cart or sledge, they could 
only walk; the movement together was therefore new 
to them. Ernest now volunteered to seat himself in 
the basket, the obedient animals kneeling to enable him 
to step in ; then they rose and started off at a trot. 

The position of the rider appeared delightful, a 
slight swinging of the basket was not unpleasant; in- 
deed, he lay back on the cushion as comfortably as if 
it had been a couch with an elastic seat. 

But this steady pace did not for long suit the riders 
of the animals; all at once a touch of the whip sent 
them off at full gallop, and the ease and comfort of 
Ernest came to an end. 

The basket swung from side to side so violently that 
he could not keep his seat, but was thrown to the right 
and left, while the riders sat firm in their saddles. In 
vain he screamed to them to stop, — the boys had not 
strength to draw rein for laughing, and indeed it waj>^ 
very amusing to see Ernest sometimes sitting up, some- 
times on his back with his legs in the air, being jolted 
about in a most ridiculous manner. 

At last the animals came to a standstill of their own 
accord, and kneeled to allow Ernest to alight, which 
he did quickly, and looking very angry ; but I explained 
to him that his brothers were only in fun, and the 
good-natured boy soon forgot his knocking about, and 
went to his mother for a handful of salt and barley to 
reward the tired animals after their exertions. 

All idea of a palanquin for the mother was, how- 
ever, set aside by circumstances which shortly oc- 
curred, and alarmed us greatly. 


377 


CHAPTER XXVIII 

THE DREADFUL VISITOR — POOR GRIZZLE’S FATE 

I WAS sitting next day with my wife and Fritz in 
the shadow of some trees on high ground over- 
looking the Jackal River, and talking of the improve- 
ments I hoped to make in the palanquin basket. 

Suddenly Fritz rose, and, advancing a few steps, 
fixed his keen eyes on the road through which ran the 
channels which conducted the water from the river to 
Zeltheim and Falcon’s Nest. Presently he cried out, 
‘‘Papa, what in the world is this creature I can see 
in the distance? It looks like a thick cable-rope, and 
seems to be coming nearer by rolling and twisting itself 
on the ground, and not by walking.” 

I rose at once, and saw, to my horror, an enormous 
serpent rolling towards us on the sand, and sometimes 
\;aising itself, like the mast of a ship, and looking 
round as if for prey. 

My wife, who noticed my alarm, although I did not 
speak, rushed into our rock dwelling, while I called out 
to the younger boys not only to follow her and shut 
themselves in, but also to have their guns in readiness 
to fire from the open window if necessary. 

“What do you think it is, papa?” asked Fritz, in a 
tone of alarm, as we stood together. 

“I believe it is a serpent of a frightful size,” I re- 
plied; “and there is no doubt we shall have a hard bat- 
tle to conquer it.” 

“Then I will not be the last in the field,” said the 
brave boy. “I must fetch my double-barreled gun 
and a couple of hatchets.” 

378 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Gently, gently, my son,’’ I said: “you must be 
prudent. These creatures have a great tenacity of 
life and enormous strength. You had better join your 
brothers in the house, and hold my largest gun in readi- 
ness, in case it is required. I will soon return for you 
when I decide upon what is best to be done. ’ ’ 

Fritz left me very reluctantly, while I went cau- 
tiously forward to discover, if possible, to which of the 
serpent race the horrid creature belonged. In a few 
moments I recognized the most dreadful of serpents — 
a boa-constrictor — ^which was wriggling with rapid 
movements towards the bridge over the river. 

My first thought was whether it would be possible 
to remove some of the flooring from the bridge before 
he reached it ; but he came along so rapidly, that I gave 
up the attempt. 

It was indeed dreadful to see him pause now and 
then, and raise his head and the upper part of his 
body to the height of at least twenty feet, and look 
about as if searching for prey. 

Presently I saw Mm crossing the bridge at a rapid 
rate, and, rushing back to our cavern home, I entered 
quickly, and closed the door carefully and without 
noise. 

On entering the house, I found my young folks in 
warlike attitude, and fully armed: not exactly, how- 
ever, like a garrison behind a fortification, for until I 
appeared their courage had been very low. 

Fritz offered me his gun. I took it in silence, and 
we then placed ourselves at an open window, from 
which we could see for a greater distance without being 
seen. 

The monster had already left the bridge behind hiin, 
when he suddenly paused and appeared startled, as if 
he for the first time had discovered the track of human 
beings. 

On he came, sometimes rolling in rings on the earth, 

379 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and at others raising himself erect, as if instinct told 
him that he was near his enemies. At all events, the 
huge worm placed his enormous body just outside our 
cavern home, and appeared about to wait for his prey 
to show themselves. 

Suddenly Ernest, most probably from an impulse of 
fear, fired his gun. Jack and Frank followed his ex- 
ample, and his mother also, to my astonishment.^ The 
danger had given her courage to fight at the side of 
her dear children. But these four shots, although not 
one touched the creature, at least frightened him a 
little, for he rolled away with great rapidity. At all 
hazards, Fritz and I fired after him, but neither shot 
appeared to have taken effect, for the monster very 
soon disappeared from our eyes. 

A sigh of relief escaped us all. A heavy weight had 
been indeed removed for a time from our hearts, and 
with one voice a hope was expressed that this dreadful 
creature might have been wounded in some way by our 
shots. 

For myself, I regretted this failure bitterly. The 
danger was, however, not yet over, and I strictly for- 
bade either of the boys to leave the grotto for the next 
few days without my express permission. 

For three long terrible days fear of our dreadful 
visitor kept us in our rock castle. Even the mother 
did not venture beyond a few steps, to obtain water 
or other needful provisions, and then only when Fritz 
and I were unable to procure what she wanted. 

Our enemy, however, gave not the least sign of his 
presence, and we began to hope he had departed from 
the marsh by a way through the rocks unlmown to us. 
But the half-wild ducks and geese were evidently aware 
of the presence of the serpent, for they seemed in a 
constant state of agitation. 

Every evening, when they returned from their sail 
on the water, they would hover above their usual dwell- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing-place among the reeds, beating their wings and 
uttering cries of fear, till at last they would turn and 
fly across the creek to Whale Island, and there take up 
their night quarters. 

My anxiety increased daily. The creature was no 
doubt hidden among the rushes, and at any moment 
might spring out and attack us or the animals if we 
ventured to leave the cave. And to be shut up day 
after day in our rock home, and see our provisions con- 
tinually decreasing, while we dared not approach the 
spots on which more could be obtained, was indeed a 
painful position. 

From this situation we were at last relieved by a 
sad and distressing loss. Our useful old Grizzle, the 
ass, saved the garrison now as completely as the geese 
saved the Capitol at Eome in olden times, and deserved 
equal honors. 

We had but a small quantity of hay left to last till 
the haymaking-time arrived, and the store at the cavern 
was all gone by the third day. To go to Zeltheim for 
more seemed impossible, yet I determined to make the 
attempt next morning, and if it failed, turn out the 
animals to And food for themselves. 

On the fourth morning, therefore, Fritz and I de- 
cided to start for Falcon’s Nest, leaving the mother 
and the younger boys at home, with orders to shoot 
from the window if necessary. 

I determined to avoid the Jackal Eiver, and proceed 
by a new road very cautiously; and I told Fritz, who 
was to ride the onager, that if there should be the least 
signs of the serpent, he was to gallop off at once to 
Falcon’s Nest at full speed. 

I stood giving my last injunctions to the boys, and 
my wife was entreating Fritz and myself to be cau- 
tious, when unfortunately she opened the door a little 
too wide, in her earnestness, and old Grizzle, who had 
been shut up and well fed for three days, rushed from 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


his stall, and was galloping away towards the Flam- 
ingo Marsh before I could stop him. We all called 
him back earnestly by name, but to no purpose, and 
Fritz, in his anxiety, would have followed him, had I 
not firmly held him back. 

In a moment we saw the serpent rear his head from 
the rushes, spring with one bound upon our poor ass, 
and enclose him quickly in the folds of his snaky body. 

The boys and their mother rushed screaming to the 
edge of the balcony, where I, unseen, was watching the 
monster. With shuddering pity we saw the creature 
wrap himself round the poor animal, raise his head 
and thrust out his forked tongue, as if greedy for his 
prey. 

Shoot him, papa! shoot him!” screamed the boys. 
‘‘Oh! do save our poor Grizzle!” 

“It would be useless now, boys,” I replied ; “nothing 
can save the ass, and firing would irritate the creature, 
and perhaps draw him on to attack us. It will soon 
be over now, and then, while the monster sleeps after 
this full meal, I shall do my best to destroy him.” 

As I spoke we turned away from the horrible sight, 
and Fritz exclaimed, 

“Papa, will the serpent swallow his prey whole! 
Oh! it is too horrible to look at!” 

“Serpents have no teeth,” I replied, “but their fangs 
enable them to seize their prey, which they crush to 
death with the folds of their body. Even the bones 
are broken by this pressure, and^ they then lick it all 
over with the tongue, which contains a peculiar kind of 
moisture, to soften every part and make it easy to 
swallow. But I do not consider this performance 
more horrible than the way in which the lions and tigers 
bite and tear their prey to pieces.” 

“Do not talk any longer of these horrors,” said my 
wife, “it is too dreadful.” 

And she drew the younger boys into the cavern, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


while I and Fritz approached the edge of the rock, to 
wait till the body of our poor Grizzle was enclosed in 
its living grave, that we might knock the monster on 
the head before he had time or inclination to attack an- 
other of our animals. This dreadful scene lasted from 
seven o^clock in the morning till nearly midday. 

I allowed a few hours to pass before I attempted to 
interfere with our terrible enemy, and then, accom- 
panied by Fritz, I directed my steps towards the border 
of the marsh. Jack, still half afraid, followed cau- 
tiously behind, while Ernest kept us in sight, though 
at a considerable distance. 

As I came near to the serpent, I confess that his size 
and appearance made me tremble, for I knew at once, 
by the marks on his skin, that I looked upon a veritable 
boa-constrictor. 

At a distance of about eighteen or twenty feet I fired, 
and Fritz instantly followed my example. Our two 
shots passed through' the head of the animal, and 
seemed to have taken effect, for the upper half of the 
body and the jaws remained immovable, hut the lower 
part of the tail moved convulsively, and struck out 
blindly in all directions. I approached nearer to finish 
the matter with two pistol-shots, and in a few moments 
the whole body lay at rest, without signs of life. 

Jack now drew near, and being anxious to share in 
the honor of killing the animal, fired into its body. In 
a moment, as by a galvanic influence, the monster 
moved, and a convulsive stroke of the tail knocked the 
young sportsman over, and sent him rolling on the 
ground. 

This, however, was the last performance of the ter- 
rible monster, for although the boy sprang up and 
stood with an air of defiance before it, there was no 
movement. Death, to. which the boa had given so 
many, had at last made the serpent his prey. 

We returned to our home in the rock with joyful 

383 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


shouts of victory, so clearly heard in the distance, that 
Ernest joined us at once on the battle-field, and the 
mother and Frank came out to meet us, scarcely believ- 
ing that our terrible visitor was really dead. 

have released the poor animals,’’ she said, ‘‘and 
I think I heard cries of victory.” 

“Yes, mamma,” I said, “the mighty enemy lies at 
our feet now, and we must be thankful to God, not only 
for His help in the battle, but also for enabling us to 
make a safe home in the rocks.” 

“I am glad the horrible monster is dead,” said Jack. 

“Can we eat serpents?” asked little Frank. 

“No,” replied his mother, “the flesh of a snake is 
poisonous.” 

“Not always,” I remarked; “and I believe in some 
countries the flesh is eaten. Even in Europe the flesh 
of the boa and the rattlesnake has been made into what 
is called viper broth, which, it is said, has a flavor as 
agreeable as chicken broth. This preparation has been 
used by Europeans in cases where the bites of serpents 
have caused great exhaustion, and has been found of the 
greatest benefit in preventing death. Of course, the 
head of the serpent, which contains the poison, has been 
removed. But I have heard that animals exist who 
can eat serpents without being injured by the poison. ’ ’ 

‘ ‘ Oh, papa ! What animals can they be ? ” exclaimed 
Jack. 

“Pigs, my boy; and I once read a story on this sub- 
ject which greatly amused me.” 

“Oh I do tell it us, papa,” they all exclaimed. “Is 
it about pigs?” 

“Yes,” I replied; and as they eagerly followed 
closely to listen, I commenced my story. 

‘ ‘ On one of the large lakes of America there was once 
a pretty little island, but no human being could dwell 
upon it on account of the immense number of rattle- 
snakes with which it was infested. It happened at 
384 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


one time that a vessel, with a large cargo of living 
pigs, was wrecked near the island. The crew, however, 
contrived to reach the shore, and land their living 
cargo and themselves in safety. But it was impos- 
sible for them to remain on such a dangerous island; 
as quickly as possible, therefore, after the storm 
ceased, they repaired their little vessel, and leaving 
the pigs on shore to their fate, made their escape with 
all speed. 

‘‘The forsaken animals dispersed themselves on the 
island, and in time their owner came with another ship 
to look after them himself. What was his astonish- 
ment to find the pigs in good condition, fat and well 
fed. They had eaten up all the rattlesnakes, and com- 
pletely cleared the island of these terrible creatures. 

“Why, papa,’^ said Ernest, “then a few swarms of 
the secretary birds would soon exterminate these ser- 
pents if they were taken to countries where these crea- 
tures liveT’ 

“You are under a little mistake, Ernest,’^ I said; 
“partly right and partly wrong about the secretary 
bird. ’ ^ 

“Papa,’’ said Frank, “what sort of a creature is a 
secretary bird? I thought a secretary was a gentle- 
man who writes; birds cannot write.” 

“Not with a pen, Frank,” I replied, laughing; “but 
they make strange scrawls with their feet in the sand, 
which, of course, we cannot read. But, joking apart, 
these birds have been so named because they have two 
long feathers at the sides of their heads, which gives 
them the appearance of a gentleman secretary with 
pens stuck behind his ears.” 

“How was I mistaken about these birds, papa?” 
asked Ernest. “They do eat snakes, I know.” 

“Yes, my boy,” I replied; “and on that account the 
bird is sometimes known as the serpent-hawk. But 
they are natives of Africa, especially at the Cape, yet 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


they have been found in the Philippine Islands. It 
would also be impossible to send swarms into other 
countries, even if they could bear the climate, for these 
birds do not live in flocks, one or two pairs only being 
found together in one place.’’ 

‘‘How can people know the ditference between the 
poisonous and the harmless serpents T’ asked Fritz. 

“Chiefly by the fangs,” I replied, “which they pro- 
trude when alarmed or in danger. At such times the 
creature rears its body to a great height in proportion 
to its size, opens the glowing red upper jaw so fright- 
fully, that the lower remains fixed, and displays two 
threatening fangs, which at other times lie concealed 
behind the gums in a kind of bag. These fangs are 
hollow, but so hard and sharp, that they can easily pen- 
etrate the thick leather of a boot. Under these fangs 
lies a little bladder containing the poison, which, when 
the creature uses, the fang is pressed, and a little drop 
enters the wound and quickly spreads through the 
veins and over the whole blood-vessels. Sometimes, if 
taken in time, a cure may be effected, but in most cases 
the sting of a serpent is followed by speedy death. ’ ’ 

“What poisonous serpents are natives of hot cli- 
mates, like this where we dwell now?” asked Ernest. 

“They are so numerous in hot countries, such as 
Africa and India,” I replied, “that I could not pos- 
sibly name them all ; but the most noted are the rattle- 
snake and the spectacled serpent, so called because the 
marks on the skin of the face resemble a pair of spec- 
tacles. The skin of the neck, throat, and breast is so 
flexible, that the creature, when angry, rears his head 
and inflates the skin till it stands out like a collar round 
its throat. And yet these snakes are very lively crea- 
tures, and are exceedingly fond of dancing.” 

‘ ‘ Dancing, papa ! ’ ’ cried Jack, incredulously. ‘ ‘ How 
can they dance without feet? You are joking us, 
papa.” 


386 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Not in the least, my son,’’ I said; “but by dancing 
in this case is understood light and playful movements 
in time to music, which Indian jugglers have cleverly 
taught the spectacled snake to perform. The creature 
raises itself on the small rings of its tail to the height 
of two-thirds of its own length, spreads out its skin 
collar round the spectacled head as much as possible, 
and then moves its head and the upper part of the body 
gracefully in time with the mournful music. Its eyes 
are fixed on the hand of the snake-charmer as it is 
waved backwards and forwards in time with the music. 
These jugglers make a secret of their art, yet they ac- 
knowledge that, to a certain extent, the snakes are 
under the influence of a stupefying drug. It is not 
positively known whether the poisonous fangs have 
been removed from these creatures, yet some travelers 
affirm that they have seen them still in the jaws of 
several dancing snakes in India.” 

“Is it believed that these snake-charmers really con- 
quer them by sorcery, or are they cheating us, papa?” 
asked Fritz. 

“I do not suppose any civilized person would be- 
lieve in conjuring, Fritz ; yet these men are children of 
nature, and know that serpents have the power of fas- 
cinating their victims and rendering them unable to 
escape. They perhaps, therefore, imitate, as far as 
they can, these wonderful actions of nature. I have 
even heard that in South America the natives have a 
little instrument which has the sound, when shaken, 
of a rattlesnake, and that by this sound they allure 
small animals, such as squirrels and rabbits, to their 
snares. But we have talked long enough, my boys, and 
we must not leave our dead enemy till the morning, for 
the birds will be only too glad to eat the flesh, and spoil 
the skin, which I should like to stuff. ’ ’ 

“That will be beautiful, papa!” said Ernest, while 
Fritz and Jack ran quickly to get the buffalo and ox, 
387 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Ernest and Frank remaining with me, to keep off the 
birds of prey from the serpent. 

Our poor Grizzle had been only half swallowed by 
the monster, and I thought it might be possible to re- 
move the dead body from the serpent, by yoking Storm 
and Grumbler to a rope fastened round its legs. This 
was soon arranged, and at a touch of the whip the ani- 
mals started forward suddenly, and drew forth from 
the serpent ^s body the scarcely recognizable remains 
of our poor servant. 

His deep grave was dug quickly, and after laying his 
mangled body in it, we threw in the earth, and covered 
the top with pieces of broken rock. 

‘‘Some of you should compose an epitaph on poor 
Grizzle,’’ I said, after we had buried him. 

“Oh I papa, Ernest must do that,” exclaimed his 
brothers. 

“Yes,” said Fritz, “he wrote one called a ‘New 
Year’s Wish,’ when we were in our own country, and 
it had eight lines. ’ ’ 

But Ernest shook his head, and looked uncomfort- 
able, so I left him to himself, and presently saw him 
seated alone, with his head on his hand and his elbow 
on his knee for ten minutes, without moving, and look- 
ing as serious as a great philosopher over a mathemati- 
cal discovery. 

In a very short time he approached me with a look 
of great content, and said, 

“Papa, I have written the epitaph; but you wonT 
laugh if I let you read it, will you 1 ’ ’ 

“No, certainly not, my boy,” I said, as I took the 
paper from him and read as follows : 

“Here lies an honest, industrious ass. 

Who once disobeyed his master’s call. 

Which caused him a dreadful death, alas! 

Yet made him a hero; for by his fall 
He saved a family with children four. 

And father and mother, on this lonely shore.” 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I exclaimed, ‘^here are six stanzas, and the 
ideas and the rhyme are very good, but the last two 
lines have not the right number of feet. Try again, 
my boy,^’ I said; am sure you can improve it.’^ 

He took my advice, and presently returned with the 
lines corrected thus: 

“He saved from death, on this lonely shore, 

Father and mother, and children four.” 

The lines were not bad for a boy of thirteen, and he 
looked much gratified when I took out of my pocket 
a large red pencil, which I always used for marking 
wood, and wrote the verses on the rock. My next per- 
formance, taking otf the skin of the boa to be stufed, 
required also the aid of our two useful animals. Storm 
and Grumbler; but my wife, who came to read poor 
Grizzle’s epitaph, told us dinner was ready, and after 
the events of the morning we were obliged to be con- 
tent with cold provisions. 

After dinner the boys were very anxious to know 
how the serpent could be skinned. 

^Ht seems a very difficult thing to manage,” said 
Fritz. 

^ ‘ There is but one way in which it is likely to be suc- 
cessful,” I said, ^‘and I intend to adopt it.” 

I commenced by cutting the skin entirely round the 
throat, and after separating it from the flesh, care- 
fully turned it back. The ox and the buffalo were then 
attached by their harness to the trunk of the serpent, 
just above the neck. I then showed Fritz and Jack 
how to draw back the skin carefully while I led the ani- 
mals gently forward, and the body of the snake grad- 
ually freed itself from the skin as the boys loosened it. 

It was rather a slow process, but we succeeded so 
well, that the beautiful skin of the boa-constrictor was 
removed almost without injury. It was then steeped 
in salt water, and, after being cleaned with sand and 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ashes, carefully stuifed with horse-hair and wool, and 
placed in the sun to dry. 

A great deal of fun occurred while stuffing the ser- 
pent, which we were not able to attempt till the day 
after taking off the skin. It was then hung to the 
branch of a tree, and as there was a difficulty in reach- 
ing the lower part near the tail. Jack volunteered to 
get inside in his bathing-dress, and to fill the skin with 
the moss and wool supplied to him by his brothers, and 
stamp it down with his feet. When he arrived near 
the neck, he put out his head in a frolicsome manner, 
and exclaimed, 

‘‘I’m not the worse for being swallowed by a boa, am 
I, papa!” 

Before evening our work was finished. We made 
two globes of gypsum paste, varnished with fish glue, 
for the eyes. We substituted for the tongue a piece 
of iron wire, painted red with cochineal. And now 
arose the question, where should we place such an enor- 
mous creature to dry! And in what position in our 
museum to suit his character! 

After a little thought, I decided first to erect a strong 
pole in the ground firmly, on a slight elevation, and 
place the stuffed serpent in coils around it. The boys 
entered into this arrangement warmly. The chest was 
fixed to the pole in such a manner that the head, with 
the mouth wide open, stretched forward with an aspect 
so fierce, that the monster appeared about to spring 
at us, while the glassy eyes glared frightfully. 

In fact, the figure of the creature was so natural and 
lifelike, that the dogs growled at it, and Storm and 
Grumbler fled from it in terror. I determined, there- 
fore, when it was thoroughly dry, to make room for 
the frightful creature in our cave. The boys had al- 
ready fastened a label over the mouth, on which was 
written these words, — 

“No Donkeys Admitted Hebe.” 

390 


SWISS FAMILY. ROBINSON 


The words had, as I knew, a double meaning, as the 
figure was to stand at the entrance to our library. The 
great danger to which we had been exposed by the ap- 
pearance of the serpent was now happily over, yet I 
could not rest satisfied until I had searched the island 
to discover whether any other of these creatures were 
to be found upon it. 

I decided, therefore, upon two excursions, one to the 
marsh and the duck-pond, the other to Falcon ^s Nest, 
and to explore the country beyond those spots at which 
the creature was seen. When about to start on the 
first of these journeys. Jack and Ernest expressed a 
strong wish to remain at the grotto, and Jack declared 
that it made him shudder when he remembered how 
the creature knocked him down with its tail. 

‘^Oh, papa!’’ added the boy, ‘‘I really thought all 
my ribs were broken.” 

I overcame their fears, however, by a little persua- 
sion, for I wished my boys to be brave and courageous 
in times of danger; at the same time, I promised to 
shield them from harm should any of these dreadful 
serpents be discovered. I explained to them also that, 
after exploring the island and finding no traces of these 
creatures, we should feel much safer and more at ease 
than now, when we were in fear of another from day 
to day. 

After this the boys plucked up courage, and we 
started early one morning on our expedition to the 
marsh. In addition to our arms, we carried with us 
bamboo canes and wooden planks, some water-flasks, 
made of the skins of the sea-dog, filled with air, to 
enable us to float in case of danger on the marshy 
ground. 

On arriving at the marsh, we threw down our planks 
across the ground, and stepped cautiously over, one 
behind the other. We found many traces of the boa 
in the reeds and rushes, which he had crushed down in 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


lying npon them, but no signs of eggs or young ones. 

We returned, after a strict search, by the chain of 
rocks, one end of which joined the marsh, and there, 
to our surprise, came upon another grotto or cave, 
from which flowed a little stream of clear sparkling 
water. I and Fritz stepped in on a broad path beside 
the stream, and found that the ceiling and walls of this 
grotto were formed of glittering stalactite. 

The ground on which we walked was composed of 
soft earth as white as snow, and on examining it 
closely, I found, to my great satisfaction, that it was a 
mineral earth called alumine, used by fullers in cleans- 
ing wool, and therefore known as fullers’ earth. I 
filled my pocket-handkerchief with as much as it could 
hold to take home to my wife, which made the boys in- 
quire the use of it. 

‘^It will be of great use to your mother in washing 
our clothes,” I said; ‘‘for fullers’ earth is used by 
fullers to cleanse wool before it is woven, and is also 
one of the ingredients in making soap.” 

“What are the other ingredients, papaF’ asked 
Fritz. “We might make some for mamma.” 

“The principal materials used in making soap are 
alumine, potash, tallow, and sometimes turpentine; 
but soap-making requires more experience in mixing 
the materials properly than we possess.” 

As we advanced I noticed that the stream got nar- 
rower, and issued from a fissure in the rock at the back 
of the cave. As the stones around this point were soft, 
it was easy to remove them, and make an opening large 
enough to admit Fritz and myself. 

Leaving Ernest and Jack outside, we crept through 
the hole, and found ourselves in total darkness. Fritz 
therefore produced his tinder-box and two wax cau- 
dles, which we quickly lighted, and stuck them on our 
bamboo canes. At once appeared before us a large 
lofty hall with a vaulted roof, and I knew, by the clear 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


burning of the candles, that the air was pure, and we 
could advance without danger. 

When our eyes became accustomed to the gloom, we 
could see crystals sparkling from the walls and roof, 
from which they hung in fantastic forms. 

‘‘Oh, papa!’’ exclaimed Fritz, joyfully, “here is 
another salt cavern. Look at the crystals.” 

“I do not think they are salt crystals,” I replied, 
“or the water of the brook would taste of it; but I am 
of opinion that this is a cave of rock crystals.” 

“Eock crystals, papa!” exclaimed the boy; “then 
we have made a valuable discovery.” 

“Not more valuable to us here,” I replied, “than 
the bar of gold found by Eobinson Crusoe. ’ ’ 

“We can break otf a little piece, however,” he said, 
‘ ‘ to adorn our museum. See, ’ ’ he continued, as he sep- 
arated a portion from the wall, “it comes off easily.” 
And then, with a start of surprise, he added, “but it is 
not transparent.” 

“No, Fritz; because you have destroyed the hexag- 
onal shape of the stone by the way you broke it off. 
The real form of a rock crystal is a pyramid with six 
sides or faces, which form prisms and admit the light. 
If this form is destroyed, it ceases to be transparent.” 

“How wonderful!” replied Fritz. “And I suppose, 
then, it is the number of sides or faces in a diamond 
that make it sparkle.” 

“Yes, Fritz; and these sides are cut and polished 
with great skill, to make these wonderful stones more 
valuable. Diamonds are found in carbon, but the best 
mines are those of Golconda, in India.” 

By this time our candles were burning low, and we 
hastened to return to the outer grotto, after having 
fired off a pistol to notice its effect on the crystals. On 
reaching the outside. Jack startled me by throwing 
himself into my arms, and sobbing and laughing to- 
gether, as he exclaimed, 

393 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


papa, I’m so glad you are come!” 

‘‘Why, my boy? What is the matter?” I asked. 
“Why are you glad and sorry at the same time?” 

“I’m glad to see you and Fritz, papa,” said the boy, 
“because I heard a noise like thunder in the cave twice, 
and I thought the cave had fallen in and crushed you 
both to death.” 

“My dear boy, the thunder you heard first was only 
the report of my gun, which I fired when I left the cave. 
The second time was its echo. But why did not Ernest 
remain with you?” 

“Oh, he’s gone to that bed of rushes, so he did not 
hear the noise that frightened me’” 

I went hastily to look for the boy, followed by his 
brothers, and found him seated, cross-legged, among 
the reeds, and plaiting a curious construction of basket- 
work with striped and pointed rushes, which I sup- 
posed he intended for a flat fish-basket. 

“And where are the fish?” I asked, as his brothers 
joined me and began to joke him about his basket-mak- 
ing. 

“I have not been fishing,” he replied, “but I’ve shot 
a young boa, about four feet long, I think. There he 
lies over yonder, near my gun. ’ ’ 

Bather alarmed, I hastened to examine the creature, 
for I knew that if this was a young serpent there must 
be more on the marsh. One glance relieved me. 

“My boy,” I exclaimed, laughing, “your boa is noth- 
ing but a fine fat eel, which will provide us with a splen- 
did supper this evening.” 

“Is it?” he said; “then I have thrown a number 
away into the water. I thought they were worms ; but 
I had a great deal of trouble to kill the large one : he 
kept moving even after I had cut his head off — it was 
so dreadful!” 

“These creatures have a great tenacity of life,” I 
said, “and the worm species can, I believe, unite the 
394 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


parts of their bodies when they have been divided by 
the gardener’s spade. But we may as well return 
home and tell the mother the discoveries we have made, 
as well as show her the eel you have killed, Ernest, 
thinking it was a young boa : your courage was equally 
commendable, my son, although you were mistaken.” 

We returned hj another way, over the rocks, with 
more ease than by the marsh, for the ground was dry 
and firm. On arriving at Eock House we found the 
mother at the well busily employed in washing our 
clothes, and gladdened her heart with the supply of 
fullers’ earth. Ernest’s eel proved also very accept- 
able, as well as the cleverly-made fish-basket. A de- 
scription of the grotto in which we had found the piece 
of rock crystal we left to be related at our dinner-hour. 


395 


CHAPTER XXIX 

ANOTHEE EXCUESION — EENEST AND THE EATS 

B eing satisfied now that the neighborhoods of the 
marsh and the duck-pond were free from all signs 
of the serpent, I proposed to my family to accompany 
me on a second excursion to Wood Grange. 

This proposal was received with joy, and great prep- 
arations were commenced, which occupied us nearly 
a week. Provisions were placed in the cart sufficient 
to last four weeks, together with our traveling-tent, 
cooking utensils, tools, candles, torches to keep off 
wild beasts at night, and plenty of arms and ammuni- 
tion. 

Thus equipped and provided, we started early on the 
appointed day from Rock House. A seat was kept for 
my wife in the cart drawn by Storm and Grumbler, 
who also carried J ack and little Frank on their strong 
backs. The cow was harnessed to the wheeled sledge, 
and Fritz on Lightfoot rode a few paces in advance, 
as a vanguard, whilst I and Ernest walked near the 
two conveyances. We had arranged that when tired, 
Ernest should ride instead of Jack for a time, and that 
I should take the place of Fritz on the onager. The 
four dogs and the jackal accompanied us at bank and 
rear. 

On our way to Wood Grange, and not far from the 
sugar-cane groves, we discovered traces of the serpent 
at some points, proving a struggle, by the disturbed 
state of the sandy road ; but before we reached Falcon’s 
Nest these traces had completely disappeared. 

The^ poultry here,^ as v^ell as the goats and sheep, 
were in good condition, and had greatly increased in 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


number. We threw to them a good store of fodder, and 
the tame creatures followed us for some distance, and 
seemed glad to see us. 

We then pushed on to Wood Grange, and found the 
animals in the farm well and happy, and not so wild 
and frightened as at our last visit. The goats and the 
sheep were the first to approach at our call when the 
caravan stopped; the hens and chickens followed, in 
fluttering haste and joyful cackling, and greedily swal- 
lowed the grain and salt which was quickly thrown to 
them. I decided to make this our first halting-place, 
and to remain all night ; my wife, therefore, prepared 
dinner, while I and the hoys strolled to the field to 
gather all the cotton-wool we could find, to make pillows 
for our use at night during the journey. 

After dinner we started again to explore the neigh- 
boring country, and, for the first time, little Frank ac- 
companied us, armed with a small gun. I turned to 
the left of Black Swan Lake, while Frank, Jack and 
Fritz took the opposite direction. Ernest remained 
to assist his mother in gathering rice from the rice- 
field by the lake. 

Each party had with it a detachment of our light 
infantry. With Fritz and Jack marched Turk and 
the hunter jackal. Floss and Master Nip remained with 
Ernest and his mother, while the two young dogs. Fawn 
and Brownie, followed me and Frank. 

We kept to the shores of the lake as closely as pos- 
sible, although several times obliged to go a long way 
round, to avoid the marshy ground covered with 
rushes, which grew near the water. I sent our four- 
footed companions in, however, several times, and they 
started many aquatic birds, and amongst them herons, 
woodcocks, and wild ducks, who flew to the lake and 
sported on its surface, or soared above it with flutter- 
ing wings. Frank at last became quite impatient to 
make his first trial, by firing amongst the birds. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Suddenly we were startled at hearing a strange noise 
from amidst the rushes, almost resembling the bray- 
ing of an ass. We stood quite still and listened at- 
tentively. 

Papa, I believe it is our little onager, Swift, 
Frank exclaimed quickly. 

^^No, my boy,’’ I replied, ‘‘it is too strong a voice for 
such a young animal; besides, he could not have fol- 
lowed us so quickly from Eock House, and without our 
seeing him. No, Frank, I believe it is a bird called a 
bittern. ’ ’ 

“Oh! papa, then it is game, and I may shoot it!” 
cried Frank; “besides, it must be an immense bird, 
with such a voice as that.” 

“It can scarcely be called game, Frank,” I said, “for 
the bittern is a species of heron, and the flesh has a 
fishy and disagreeable taste. The bittern, however, is 
not a large bird, although his voice sounds like that 
of an ox or an ass ; he is, therefore, in many countries 
known by the names of water-ox, marsh-ox, or moss- 
cow. ’ ’ 

“How can a little bird have such a dreadful voice, 
papa?” asked Frank. 

“The lowing, crying, or whistling of animals or 
birds, does not depend on their size, Frank, but on the 
form of the throat, the size of the lungs, and, above 
all, on the power of the muscles of the chest. You know 
that the nightingale and the canary are small birds, 
but they can sing very loudly. It is said, however, that 
the bittern increases the sound of its voice by thrust- 
ing its beak partially in marshy ground, and thus pro- 
duces a deep hollow sound resemMing the lowing of an 
ox.” 

Prank scarcely listened to my account of the birds 
and their voices, his anxiety was so great to bring down 
a bittern by his first shot. 

I whistled to the dogs and sent them to beat the 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


rushes, while Frank stood ready and listened, with 
his gun pointed and his finger on the trigger. 

In a few moments there was a rustle among the 
reeds, followed by the report of a gun, then a cry of 
joy, as the httle sportsman rushed in to seize his prey. 

‘‘IVe hit it, papal IVe hit it he cried. 

‘‘Hit whatr^ I asked, as I hastened to the boy. 

“A wild boar,^^ he replied; “bigger than the one 
Fritz shot.’’ 

“The agouti you mean, Frank; but I hope you have 
not killed one of the little pigs from the farm.” 

By this time I had reached the spot, and saw a 
strange-looking animal lying dead on the ground, very 
much resembling a pig, with a reddish-brown skin, and 
a pointed nose, but evidently not a native of European 
countries. The boy, however, was almost beside him- 
self with joy at his success. On a closer inspection I 
found that the creature was from three to four feet 
long, had incisor teeth, and a divided upper lip, like 
a hare. These peculiarities, with the fact that the 
creature was tailless, and that the toes were united by 
a membrane, convinced me that it was an amphibious 
animal called a cavy. 

I could now congratulate the little fellow on his suc- 
cess in having shot such an animal, instead of a wild 
boar. I told him also that it was a native of South 
America, and really ought to be named the river-pig, 
although called a cavy, or capybara, and that it be- 
longed to the same class of animals as the beaver and 
the agouti. 

After listening to my account of the animal, Frank, 
who was anxious to carry his booty to our tent and 
show it to his brothers, tried to raise it from the 
ground, but the creature was too heavy for him. 

‘ ‘ Suppose you ' place your burden on Brownie ’s 
back,” I said; “he is a strong dog, and will carry it 
easily, especially as the distance is not very great.” 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Papa/’ said the boy, “if you will help me, I think 
I could make the load lighter for poor Brownie by open- 
ing the cavy and taking out the inside. It’s disagree- 
able, I know, but I’ll try to bear it.” 

I praised the little man for conquering his disgust 
in a case of necessity, and readily assisted him in mak- 
ing the load lighter. Brownie and Fawn were not slow 
in accepting the feast otfered them, and after the cavy 
had been properly cleaned and prepared, it was placed 
in my game-bag and fastened on Brownie’s back. 
Then Frank and I turned our steps towards the tent at 
Wood Grange, followed by the dogs Fawn and 
Brownie. 

On our way I looked anxiously for any trace of the 
boa, but not a sign appeared. The apes also seemed 
to have left the neighborhood, for not even one had 
presented itself since our arrival at Wood Grange. 

When we reached the tent I saw on the ground a large 
number of dead rats, the massacre of which Ernest had 
just completed. I inquired the meaning of what I 
saw, in great astonishment, and also where these dis- 
gusting animals had been found. 

“My mother and I were gathering rice in the field,” 
said Ernest, “and presently I noticed one or two ele- 
vations rising a few inches from the marshy ground, 
like mole-hills. Master Nip, who had his basket 
strapped to his shoulder, ventured near one of these 
hills, and in a few moments I saw him struggling with 
a large rat, and trying to draw it from a hole. 

“I ran to help him, and after killing the rat, poked 
my stick into what was evidently a rat’s nest. Out 
rushed at least a dozen rats : some of them I knocked 
down with my stick, the others escaped into the water. 
But the cries of the animals brought the whole colony 
qpon me, and they began to attack my legs in a most 
savage manner. I struck right and left, and killed 
several, yet in spite of my exertions and the hissing 
400 



Out rushed iit 


least a dozen rats 





©CI.K 


78(i59 




SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and grinning of Master Nip on my shoulder, the furi- 
ous animals returned to the attack. 

‘‘I became at last terribly alarmed, and cried out 
for help, but you were all too far otf to hear me, and I 
began to wonder what the end would be, when suddenly 
Floss presented herself, and, dashing in among the 
enemy, with one grip of the neck laid many of them 
dead at her feet, and scattered the rest. My mother, 
who had heard something of the noise at the other end 
of the field, now came to the spot, and looked with great 
alarm at the dead rats which Floss and I had killed. 
But when I explained how it happened, and that the 
danger was over, she desired me to bring the dead 
animals to the tent, because so many useful things 
could be made of their skins. ’ ’ 

This account of the rats greatly excited my curios- 
ity respecting them. I proceeded, therefore, to the 
scene of the attack, and found, to my surprise, that 
their nests bore a great resemblance to those of the 
beaver. 

‘‘My opinion is confirmed about these animals,’’ I 
said to Ernest, after a close examination; “they are 
musk rats, or ondatras, as they are called in North 
America, to which they belong. They resemble the 
beaver in many respects, especially in the cleverness 
with which they build their houses, and in having a 
bushy tail and webbed feet ; but the musk rat, or civet 
cat as it is sometimes called possesses two glands un- 
der its tail, containing a fatty substance, which, when 
stale, produces musk, and is used as a perfume. I 
think, however,” I continued, “that the sooner we re- 
turn to the tent and commence skinning these rats the 
better. ’ ’ 

We set to work quickly, and while thus employed, 
Fritz and Jack returned from their excursion. Jack 
carried in his hat about a dozen beautiful eggs, 
wrapped in a kind of skin, and Fritz brought two 
40i 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


heath fowls, a cock and hen, in his game-bag. These 
fresh supplies were at once taken care of, and then the 
two boys hastened to help us in removing the skins of 
the musk rats, and to listen to the story of his battle 
with them, which Ernest eagerly related. 

‘‘Why, they are nearly as large as rabbits,^’ said 
Fritz: “how useful the fur will be!’’ 

I explained to him and Jack the nature and species 
of the animal, as we carefully took off the skins, cleaned 
them with ashes, salted them, and hung them up to 
dry. The bodies, however, we were obliged to bury, 
for they were so impregnated with the smell of musk, 
that even the dogs would not touch them. 

The cavy being now produced, Frank was made a 
hero of by his brothers, when he showed them the re- 
sult of his first shot. The creature was afterwards 
skinned, and part of it prepared, and placed by the 
mother on the spit to roast for our evening meal. But 
we found the fishy taste so disagreeable, that very lit- 
tle of it was eaten by any of us. 

During dinner, the boys made many inquiries re- 
specting the musk rat, and wondered why it carried 
about with it such a powerful odor as musk. 

“It is perhaps intended as an attraction to animals 
who make this species their prey,” I replied. “The 
beaver, the civet cat, or deer, and many other ani- 
mals, have a very similar odor. The musk of the civet 
cat which is found in Holland has a more agreeable 
smell than that of other musk animals ; it is, therefore, 
the most valuable in commerce.” 

My natural history lesson came to an end when I 
paused, for Ernest suddenly exclaimed, 

“I wish we had some nice dessert, to take away the 
taste of Frank’s cavy, papa.” 

“Oh! I forgot,” cried Fritz, starting up; “perhaps 
I have something for dessert in my game-bag;” and 
presently he placed before us two small cocoanuts and 
402 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


some pineapples, while Jack produced a small pale 
green fruit, and asked me if it would be safe to eat it. 

‘‘These apples looked so beautiful, that I wanted to 
taste one,’’ said Jack; “but Fritz advised me not to 
attempt it, as he thought the fruit resembled the pois- 
onous manchinella. ” 

I praised the caution of the boys, as I took up one of 
the green-looking apples, and cut it in half. 

“This is not the manchinella-apple,” I said, “for 
that has a stone in the middle, and this has pips. ’ ’ 

While I was speaking. Master Nip crept round to 
my side, and snatching up the half of the apple I had 
divided, rushed away with it to a corner, and devoured 
it greedily. 

This was enough. The boys, laughing merrily, 
pounced upon the rest of the fruit with such avidity, 
that I could scarcely manage to save one or two for 
the mother and myself. 

The taste was most agreeable, and reminded me of 
the cinnamon or clove-apple, which is found in the 
Antillas, and is considered a delicious fruit. 

I noticed after awhile that the boys looked tired ; we 
therefore laid ourselves down in the old Wood Grange 
hut which had sheltered us on former occasions, and 
with the bags stuffed with the cotton-wool for pillows, 
slept peacefully till morning. 

We rose at daybreak, and after an early breakfast 
started to continue the journey to the sugar-cane grove, 
where we had already, on a former visit, erected a kind 
of arbor of branches of trees closely interlaced. This 
arbor was still in good condition, and therefore, in- 
stead of pitching our tent, we threw the sail-cloth over 
the top of the hut, rendering it in this mild climate quite 
comfortable. 

As I intended only to remain here till dinner-time, 
there was plenty of work to be done in a few hours. 

Fritz, Jack, and Frank at once started with me to 

403 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the sugar-cane grove, and I felt thankful to observe 
that no traces of the serpent were visible in this di- 
rection. As we walked, several canes were broken off, 
and the sugar sucked from them with great relish by 
us all. Not for long, however, could we enjoy this re- 
freshing occupation, for the dogs commenced barking, 
and a strange rustling noise was heard among the 
canes. 

We could not see while in the thicket; I therefore 
led the way out cautiously into an open space. We 
were scarcely clear of the canes, when what appeared 
to be a whole herd of little pigs passed before us, and 
I at first supposed they belonged to our old sow, which 
had long been at liberty. But the number, and the 
gray skin of the animals, told me I was mistaken; 
their structure also, and the perfect order in which 
they followed the leader of their fiight, were most re- 
markable, and convinced me that they were not Euro- 
pean pigs, but fair game ; yet I could not help regret- 
ting when the two shots from my double-barreled gun 
brought two of them to the ground. 

Strange to say, the procession did not pause, but 
actually passed the dead bodies of their comrades 
with steady steps, and without breaking their ranks. 
Fritz and Jack, following my example, fired also, and 
while the troop passed on, unmindful of their fallen 
companions, we shot down about a dozen of them, while 
they were within reach. 

On examining the dead, I recognized in the animal 
a creature of the beaver tribe, called a peccary, and as 
the flesh is considered very palatable, Fritz and I at 
once carefully removed the musk-bag from each, with- 
out breaking it. By this means the flesh was preserved 
from a flavor that would have been very disagreea- 
ble. 

All at once we heard the sound of two pistol-shots 
from the direction of our arbor, and as I knew they 
404 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


must have been fired by Ernest and his mother, I sent 
Jack to tell them we had plenty of game, and desired 
him also to bring the cart to fetch it. 

During his absence, finding our load rather heavy, 
I proposed to Fritz that we should remove the insides 
of the animals at once. Presently Ernest appeared, 
and asked me the name of the creature, and, on hear- 
ing that I believed it was a peccary, he explained the 
cause of the shots we had heard. 

“The troop passed near our arbor, papa,^’ he said, 
“and mamma and I shot two, just by the bamboo 
thicket. I hope peccaries are good to eat. ’ ’ 

By this time Jack had arrived with the cart, and 
after placing the little pigs upon it, the boys covered 
them with branches of trees and flowers. Frank and 
Jack took their accustomed places on Grumbler and 
Storm, while Ernest and Fritz seated themselves on 
the cart, and I followed with the dogs. This proces- 
sion arrived at last in triumph at the arbor, where the 
mother was whiting so impatiently for us. 

Perhaps we were almost as impatient, for the din- 
ner-hour had long passed, and we had only been able 
to appease our hunger and thirst by the juice of the 
sugar-cane. 

After a hasty but substantial meal, we commenced 
the preparation of these little animals, which not only 
resemble pigs in form, but also in the flavor of the flesh. 
The legs and the sides we cut otf and salted; they 
were then placed in sacks, and hung upon the branches 
of a tree, with calabash vessels underneath, to catch the 
drippings of the salt and water, which we frequently 
threw over them. 

On the following day the boys arranged our arbor to 
form a smoke-house, similar to that at Zeltheim for 
smoking the herrings, and in this the salted joints were 
hung. The heads and other refuse were thrown to 
the dogs and the jackal. I then proposed to the boys 
405 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


that a whole pig, one of the youngest, should be cooked 
for dinner after the fashion adopted in Otaheite. 

The boys, with Fritz as their leader, commenced 
operations by digging a deep hole in the ground and 
burning in it a large quantity of reeds, dry grass, and 
wood, in which were placed several stones, to remain 
till they were red hot. 

Meanwhile Fritz cleaned and singed the little pec- 
cary, rubbed it with salt, and stuffed it with potatoes, 
pieces of meat, and vegetables, chopped small and 
well seasoned, and in this respect his cooking differed 
from the Otaheitans^ who never use salt nor season- 
ing. 

Not being able to obtain banana-leaves, I advised 
Fritz to wrap the animal in any leaves he could find, 
and cover them with bark. Thus enveloped, it was 
laid in the pit, covered with hot cinders and glowing 
stones, upon which earth was thrown, until the whole 
pit was hidden from sight. 

During the progress of this cooking the smoke in the 
hut, which was large enough to hold all our salted 
joints, was doing its work well, and I had no doubt that 
in two days large portions of the peccary would be 
sufficiently smoked for the purpose of preserving them. 

In about two hours Fritz considered that our roast 
must be ready. The earth and stones were removed, 
and a most agreeable odor of roast pork arose, accom- 
panied by a flavor of spices, and presently the splen- 
didly-roasted pig was lifted out of its Otaheitan oven 
and placed on the table. 

Fritz was triumphant over his successful experi- 
ment, and his mother quite reconciled to the clever 
barbarian cooking, which she had before laughed at as 
absurd. I was a little puzzled to account for the aro- 
matic flavor which our roast pig had evidently gained 
while in the ground, till I remembered the bark used 
by Fritz to envelope it. I immediately examined this 
406 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


bark and the tree which produced it, and came to the 
conclusion that it was a native of Madagascar, called 
ravensara, which, in the language of that country, sig- 
nifies good leaf. It unites the flavor of the nutmeg 
with that of cloves and cinnamon, and an oil is ex- 
tracted from the leaves which has the flavor of cloves, 
and is useful in cooking. 

As the smoke in the hut required attention for two 
days longer before the hams would be ready, my wife 
and one of the boys decided to remain near and attend 
to it, while the rest of us again explored the neighbor- 
hood. On our return at meal-times we generally 
brought with us some booty, and the welcome news 
that no trace of the boa could anywhere be found. 
Among other things, we discovered a bamboo thicket, 
containing reeds nearly sixty feet high, and thick in 
proportion. I managed to saw off a few of them near 
the first knot, for I hoped to make the hollow parts 
useful as light casks and tubs. Eound the knots or 
joints grew thorns, hard and sharp, which we gladly 
collected to use as a substitute for nails. 

The young bamboo shoots also which grew from 
the roots of these gigantic canes we gathered in abun- 
dance. A kind of ^m also exuded from them, and this 
gum, when dried in the sun, had the appearance of 
saltpeter or soda. 

Oil our way to Prospect Hill one morning we passed 
through Wood Grange, and I found, to my dismay, that 
the monkeys had again attacked the farm buildings. 
The goats and sheep had wandered away, the fowls 
had become quite wild, and the stalls and poultry- 
houses were so broken and destroyed that I knew it 
would occupy several days to repair the damage. I 
put this work off, however, for another opportunity, 
as, the hams being now sufficiently smoked, we wished 
to continue our excursion. 

We took only one ham with us to add to our stock 

407 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of provisions, leaving the rest hanging in the hut, and 
to preserve them from the attacks of wild beasts and 
birds of prey, we piled up earth and sand to a great 
height round the place, and stuck it full of thorns and 
thistles, thus forming a complete barricade against 
robbers. 

During the two days of our stay near the arbor, 
while the hams were being smoked, the boys and I cut 
down several bushes in the cane thicket, to make a 
pathway, for I knew we should otherwise be unable 
to pass with our loaded vehicles. Early one morning, 
therefore, our little caravan set out gayly to continue 
the journey to unexplored parts of the island, and, with 
patriarchal trust in Providence, proceeded on our way, 
and passed through the cane thicket on the road we had 
made with ease and comfort. 


408 


CHAPTER XXX 

THE GREEN VALLEY — THE BEARS 

A fter walking about two hours, we reached the 
proposed limit of our wanderings, at the outskirts 
of a small wood, and here I determined to halt. 

The spot was tolerably cool and sheltered, the wood 
being bounded on the right by an overhanging rock, 
while to the left the outflow of a river emptied itself 
into a large bay. The place appeared to present every 
advantage of safety and convenience, and we at once 
commenced making the necessary arrangements for 
a long stay. 

Within gunshot from us lay a narrow pass between 
the river and the rock, which I hoped would lead to 
the unknown country beyond. I chose a little thicket 
for our halting-place, sufficiently raised for us to com- 
mand the opening to the river’s bank, and to be ready 
with our arms in case any danger presented itself. 

While dinner was being prepared, I and the boys ex- 
plored the immediate neighborhood, but found no 
enemies worse than wild cats, which were hunting 
birds and badgers, but they fled at our approach. 

The morning passed quickly, and after dinner the 
heat became so overpowering, that we could only sit 
in the shade and rest, hoping that by the evening we 
should find it cooler, and our strength sufficiently ren- 
ovated to enable us to build another cabin of branches 
of trees, or to pitch our traveling-tent. 

This resting-time was employed in talking over 
our plans for the long excursion we hoped to take on 
the morrow. I was anxious to explore the broad plain 
or savannah which we had seen on a former occa- 
409 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sion from Prospect Hill, as it had every appearance, 
from the distance, of being rich and fertile pasture- 
land. 

I decided to take the eldest three boys with me, that, 
as I laughingly said, we might have a strong force in 
case of danger. My wife and Frank were to remain 
at the tent, well armed, with the wagons, the animals, 
and various articles the long-intended stay had made 
necessary to bring with us. 

After a substantial breakfast, we bade farewell to the 
mother and Frank, and, surrounded by our four-footed 
friends, started for the unknown land, and, taking the 
narrow pass between the river and the rocks, arrived 
at a spot from which could be seen the immense plain 
stretched out before us. 

It was indeed a wonderful landscape which we passed 
to gaze upon. 

To the left, on the opposite shore of the stream, 
which we had already named the Eastern River, 
stretched away to the far distant horizon a range of 
woods and forests of palms and other trees in full and 
splendid foliage. 

Behind these rose a chain of steep barren mountains, 
piled one above the other, while their summits reached 
the clouds and were clearly defined against the sky. 
We waded across the Eastern River to the opposite 
shore, and looked back to the pleasant land we had left 
behiud, on which rose green hills covered with woods 
and groves in picturesque beauty. 

Continuing our way towards the mountain range, 
and leaving the verdant plains behind, we found, as we 
advanced, that the contrast became more perceptible. 
It was fortunate that I had filled my water-flask from 
the brook, for here there was not the least trace of wa- 
ter, or even moisture. The grass was burnt up, and 
the land appeared dry, barren, and unfruitful. The 
contrast presented by this arid spot to the verdure 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and fertility of the plain we had left was truly re- 
markable. 

‘^Papa exclaimed Fritz, ^‘this country has changed 
greatly since we were here last and met with the buf- 
faloes.’^ 

‘‘We have never traveled so far as this, Fritz,” I 
replied; “and besides, there is a cause for the appear- 
ance it now presents. We saw it last year soon after 
the rainy season had ended, and since then it has been 
exposed for months to the glowing heat of the sun. 
The soil is evidently rocky and sterile, and therefore 
requires a great quantity of rain to soften it and to 
produce vegetation.” 

We continued to walk on, however, amid the sighs 
and complaints of the boys, who now and then opened 
their parched lips to find fault with the country, and 
to speak of it as Arabia Petraea, or the Sahara of the 
island. 

“Arabia Petraea!” cried Ernest; “it is a thousand 
times worse.” 

“Ah!” exclaimed another, “it is a land only fit to 
be inhabited by evil spirits. ’ ’ 

“Yes,” remarked Ernest; “and the ground under 
our feet is burning hot. There must be subterranean 
fire. No wonder everything is parched and dried 
up.” 

“Patience, patience, my boys!” I exclaimed; “you 
forget the old proverb, ‘Wien all is wild, it will soon 
be mild,’ and the Latin saying, per Augusta, ad Au- 
gusta. No doubt we shall presently find a shadow un- 
der the overhanging side of a mountain, as well as 
water and refreshing verdure.” 

At last, when overcome with heat and fatigue, we 
reached a pleasant spot at the foot of a projecting rock, 
and threw ourselves down to rest in its welcome 
shadow, and to gaze in silence on the scene before us. 

The blue mountains were clearly defined against the 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


horizon, at a distance of, perhaps, twenty or thirty 
miles, while the river wandered in serpentine courses 
through the broad plain, looking in the distance like 
a thread of silver. 

We had not been resting for long when Master 
Nip, with most ridiculous grimaces, began to smell 
about in all directions. Then, screaming hideously, 
he started off at full gallop towards the rocks, fol- 
lowed by the dogs. 

I supposed at first that he had discovered a troupe 
of monkeys, but we were too much overcome with heat 
and thirst to follow them. We had, besides, just pro- 
duced our provision store, and were too busily en- 
gaged to move. 

Presently Fritz, who had his eyes fixed on the dis- 
tance, saw something that surprised him. Starting 
up, he exclaimed, 

‘^Papa, what ever is that yonder in the valley? It 
appears to me like a man on horseback; and there is 
another, and a third,’’ he added; ‘‘and now they are 
all in full gallop. Can they really be the Arabs of 
the desert?” 

“No, certainly not,” I replied, with a laugh; “but 
take my telescope, and tell me what you can make of 
this wonderful sight.” 

“It is stranger than ever, papa,” said the boy, as 
he steadily looked through the glass. “The moving 
objects look like herds of cattle, high-loaded wagons, 
or wandering haystacks. Ha, ha! what can it all 
be?’’ 

His brothers, in turn, looked through the glass, and 
both Ernest and Jack declared that they believed the 
great moving objects were men on horseback. 

I then took the telescope myself, and discovered at a 
glance that the moving figures were nothing but a few 
gigantic ostriches. 

“Oh, papa!” cried Jack, as I stated my conviction, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

living o^ich! Oh, wouldn’t it be delightful to 
ride one, and to have beautiful feathers for our hats!” 

The birds were evidently approaching nearer to us, 
and I therefore desired Fritz and Jack to call in the 
dogs and search for the monkey, while I and Ernest 
concealed ourselves in a bush, from which we could 
watch the movements of the birds. Among these 
bushes I was, however, startled at recognizing a plant 
which frequently grows between the fissures of stones 
or rocks. From the stem of this bush exudes a kind 
of sap or gum, which, although a deadly poison, is very 
useful as a medicine, and called by some persons wolf^s 
milk* 

After a long absence, Fritz and Jack returned with 
the dogs and the ape. Master Nip had scented water, 
and the whole party, the boys included, had refreshed 
themselves with a bath, and refilled their water-flasks. 

All this time the ostriches were approaching nearer 
to the spot we occupied, so that we were able to ob- 
serve them with perfect safety. 

There were five, one of them a male bird, as the large 
and beautiful tail-feathers plainly showed. 

‘‘We must not startle them,” I said, “for if they 
begin to run, we could never expect to overtake birds 
of such fleetness : no horse could gallop so fast as an 
ostrich, although Fritz’s eagle might rival them, by 
flying as swiftly as they run.” 

“How do the Arabs catch them!” asked Fritz. 

“On horseback, sometimes; but oftener by strata- 
gem,” I replied. “The ostrich, when he finds him- 
self pursued, will run for hours in a circle of an im- 
mense circumference. The hunter keeps within the 
circle, but still follows, till the creature flags from fa- 
tigue. He then crosses the circle, and the capture is 
made.” 

* Most probably wolf’s bane, or aconite. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Does the ostricli really bury bis beam in tbe sand, 
and fancy no one can see bimT’ asked Ernest. 

“It is said so/’ I replied, “and I believe there is 
some truth in tbe assertion. But, bush 1 do not move, 
tbe birds are near us, ” I added quickly, in a low voice. 

The ostriches were by this time standing at a short 
distance from us, behind a slight elevation. Coming 
upon us so suddenly, they appeared startled and un- 
easy; but as we stood still, and held back the dogs, 
they seemed to take courage and approach nearer, 
raising their arched necks, and gazing with surprise 
at the unaccustomed spectacle. 

Unfortunately, the impatient dogs at this moment 
escaped from our hold, and rushed yelping and bark- 
ing upon the ostriches. Away they flew like the wind, 
one after the other, and seemed scarcely to touch the 
ground with their feet. They appeared more like ships 
at full sail in their flight, and were quickly almost lost 
to us in the distance ; but Fritz had uncovered the eyes 
of his eagle when the birds were first alarmed, and set 
him free to follow them. 

We saw the royal bird soaring above the fugitives, 
and hastened to follow, in the hope of saving the one 
he pounced upon. Eapid as were our movements, the 
dogs were there before us. The beautiful male bird, 
however, being a little in the rear, was quickly pounced 
upon by the eagle, who, with one blow of his beak, 
brought the creature to the ground. 

We were too late to save the animal’s life, for the 
jackal and the dogs were^ quickly upon him, and we 
arrived at the spot only in time to gather up a few 
of the most beautiful feathers. 

“What a pity to kill such a beautiful creature!” 
said Fritz; “I am sure he could have carried two of 
us on his back quite easily. Why, he must be six feet 
high, at least; and his neck would measure three feet 
more!” 


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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘^What ca^ these creatures get to live upon in the 
desert, I wcnderT’ said Ernest; ‘‘nothing grows 
there. ’ ’ 

“It is said that the ostrich digests anything, — even 
stones,” I replied, “but his usual food consists of 
plants and shrubs; yet most animals who inhabit the 
barren regions of a desert can live for days without 
food. The camel, as you know, has a kind of second 
stomach, in which he carries a sufficient supply of 
water to last for many hours.” 

While thus conversing, we were continuing our walk 
towards a beautiful valley which I had seen in the dis- 
tance, and presently Ernest and Jack turned aside to 
follow the movements of the jackal, who was more like 
a dog in his habits, and seemed now to make himself 
their leader. All at once they stood still by some 
withered shrubs, and beckoned to us to join them. 

“Ostriches’ eggs! ostriches’ eggs!” cried the boys 
joyfully, and throwing their hats in the air as we over- 
took them ; and there at their feet, in a hole in the sand 
exposed to the sun, lay twenty eggs as large as a child’s 
head. 

“That is a glorious discovery!” I said; “but do not 
disturb the order in which the eggs are laid, or per- 
haps the mother will forsake them.” 

“What could we do with so many eggs?” asked 
Fritz. 

“Oh, I know,” cried Jack, — “take them home with 
us, and lay them in the sand to be hatched" by the 
sun. ’ ’ 

“That is more quickly said than done,” I remarked. 
“Those eggs would weigh more than twenty pounds, 
and who is to carry them? Besides, the ostrich only 
leaves her eggs during the day to the heat of the sun 
in these hot climates ; at night she sits on them herself, 
covering them carefully.” 

The boys, however, begged me to let them take home 

415 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


two eggs, to show their mother. I therefore cau- 
tiously lifted two from the top, and, to enable the boys 
to carry them easily, I tied each egg in a piece of cloth, 
like a stone in a sling, and fastened the cloth to a 
string, so that it hung loosely from the hand, and could 
be carried without danger of breaking it. 

Even in this way the eggs soon proved themselves 
too heavy. I therefore cut a strong elastic stick of 
heath, and tied one egg, in its cloth, at each end of the 
stick, that the hoys might carry the eggs as the Dutch 
milkmaids do their milk-pails. This had the effect of 
decreasing the weight. We also set up in the sand 
a cross made of two pieces of the heath-stem, that we 
might easily find the nest when we came again. 

On our way we noticed many signs of strange ani- 
mals, such as buffaloes, antelopes, and onagers, but no 
trace of the serpent. 

At a little distance farther on we reached a spot 
which, in this sterile region, proved truly refreshing, 
for a little spring fiowed from the rock and formed 
itself into a tiny brook. 

We seated ourselves by its side, took out some of our 
provisions, filled the water-flasks with fresh water, and 
thoroughly enjoyed the rest. Presently Fritz, who was 
watching the jackal, saw him at a little distance scratch 
up with his feet a curiously formed creature. He rose 
quickly, took it from him, and brought it to me to ex- 
amine it. 

^HFs like a little turtle,’’ said Ernest, ‘‘although it 
is not larger than half an apple. ’ ’ 

“A turtle!” cried Fritz. “How could a turtle be 
found so far from the sea as this?” 

“Very likely it was brought by a shower of turtles 
similar to the rain of frogs we read of in old ro- 
mances.” 

“Hallo, Dr. Ernest!” I cried, laughing, “you are 
mistaken for once. This is really a small land-turtle, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of the kind which lives in marshy ground and near 
fresh water. It is found very useful in gardens. Al- 
though it lives upon vegetables, yet it destroys snails 
and other vermin. This turtle will bury itself in 
marshy ground or mud during the hot weather, but 
creeps out again gladly when the rain comes and ren- 
ders the ground soft and muddy. 

The boys contrived to carry with them two of these 
little harmless creatures; and, after enjoying an hour 
of refreshing rest, we again started forward on the 
journey, and presently entered a green and fruitful 
valley. 

Here and there stood groves of trees in full foliage, 
and so flourishing and fertile was its aspect, that it pre- 
sented a striking contrast to the dry and sterile land 
through which we had lately wandered. The cool fresh 
breeze, also, after the burning sun and the intense heat, 
was so refreshing, that, as we walked through it, we 
decided to give it the name of the Green Valley. 

Here and there in the distance could be distinguished 
herds of buffaloes and antelopes peacefully grazing; 
and no doubt we might have approached nearer to them 
but for the dogs, which were always several paces in 
advance of us. 

Imperceptibly the valley had turned away to the left, 
and brought us to a rising ground, and I was amazed 
at finding that we had reached a spot opposite to the 
place at which we had rested in the morning. We had 
taken no game during the whole day, and had nothing 
to carry back to the tent but the ostrich eggs. I hoped, 
however, that on our way home we might be more suc- 
cessful. 

I was not, however, prepared for what really hap- 
pened, although I remarked that our dogs were be- 
coming wild, and looked so scared and uneasy, that we 
were obliged each to lead them, excepting Floss, who 
was so under command of her rider, Master Nip, that 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


she seemed to have lost all spirit for hunting. In less 
than half an hour we found ourselves near the place 
where Fritz had caught the young jackal. 

Ernest, looking pale and tired, crept on in front of 
the party, leading the- way, accompanied by the dog 
Fawn, to a rocky cave which appeared in the distance, 
while we followed slowly, yet longing for its cool shel- 
ter. Suddenly a cry of terror, the barking of the dogs, 
and a low growl startled us. The next moment Ernest, 
pale as death and without his hat, rushed from the 
cave and threw himself into my arms, exclaiming, 

^‘Papa, papa, don’t go in! There’s a hear in the 
cave; and look, he’s coming out; he is indeed!” 

I placed my arm for a moment round the boy, who 
was trembling in every limb, and exclaiming, “Cour- 
age ! courage ! my boy, ” I let the dogs loose, and, gun 
in hand, rushed towards the cave, followed by Fritz. 
To my horror we were met at the entrance by an enor- 
mous bear, which the dogs were attacking furiously, 
and I could see another within the cave. 

Fritz set himself bravely to do battle with the lat- 
ter, while I prepared to meet the first. We both fired 
together. 

Jack stood ready armed at a little distance, yet evi- 
dently half afraid, but Ernest had rushed back as the 
bears appeared, and was nowhere to be seen. 

Our first shots, though they wounded the bears, were, 
unfortunately, not mortal, and I hesitated to fire again 
lest I should injure the dogs, who were dragging the 
animals hither and thither, at the risk of their lives, 
with the greatest bravery. 

One of them, however, could not bite, for I had with 
my shot broken his under jaw, and Fritz had wounded 
the other in the fore paw; they had, therefore, lost 
some of their natural strength, but not their courage. 
Indeed, the pain and the attacks of the dogs rendered 
them furious, and the struggles to defend themselves, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


added to their loud growls and the yelping of the dogs, 
rendered the scene truly fearful. The hears, some- 
times erect, sometimes on all fours, fought bravely, 
and, as I could see that the dogs were wounded and 
bleeding, I expected every moment to see one or two 
lie dead on the battle-field. 

At the same time, the bears appeared to grow 
weaker, and I therefore determined to approach 
nearer, and watch my opportunity to fire when close 
upon them. Making a sign to Fritz to follow, I went 
forward cautiously, and choosing a moment when the 
creatures were too much occupied with the dogs to 
notice us, I shot one of them through the head, while 
the ball fired by Fritz passed through the heart of the 
other. 

‘^God be praised I’’ I exclaimed, earnestly, as the 
two terrible enemies, with hollow growls, fell dead at 
our feet. ‘‘We have escaped great danger with His 
help and protection.’^ 

After satisfying myself that the bears were really 
dead, we approached nearer to examine the monsters, 
and also to ascertain if the dogs were seriously injured. 
They had certainly received some severe bites, and 
their skin had been torn slightly by the animals ’ claws, 
but all this I hoped to remedy on our return to the 
tent. While thus employed. Jack, who had from the 
distance witnessed our success, ran back to find Ernest, 
exclaiming, ‘ ‘ Victory ! victory ! ” in a joyful voice ; and 
presently Jack approached the field of battle, followed 
timidly by Ernest, who had not yet overcome the ef- 
fects of his first alarm. 

Fritz and I could not help a feeling of pride as we 
examined the monsters we had destroyed, — their size, 
their strong teeth and terrible claws, the structure of 
the limbs, and the wonderful thickness of the fur. 

The boys stood by in wondering admiration and awe 
as I spoke of the danger we had escaped, for these ani- 
419 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


mals would no doubt have discovered us in our home, 
and perhaps at a moment when we were not prepared. 

‘‘Are they not useful now they are dead, papaT’ 
asked Jack. 

“Yes, my child, very useful: the flesh is much es- 
teemed by the people of the countries in which bears 
are found, and the fur alone of these we have killed 
would form a most valuable article of commerce in the 
fur trade. You observe that the color is a silvery 
shining gray, and I believe, therefore, that these ani- 
mals belong to the class of bears met with by Captain 
Clark during his travels in the north-western coun- 
tries of America, and named by him the silver bear. ’ ^ 

It was impossible, on this occasion, to carry home 
our booty; I therefore at once decided to leave it in the 
cave, and protect it as carefully as practicable from 
the jackals and other beasts of prey. 

With some difficulty, therefore, the dead bears were 
dragged farther into the cave, and covered with 
branches of trees, while in front of the entrance we 
piled thorn-bushes and prickly leaves. 

The eggs of the ostrich were also left behind, after 
burying them carefully in the sand, for it was getting 
late, and as the boys would have to walk quickly, they 
did not wish to be burdened with heavy weights. 

We did not reach the tent till after sunset, and were 
received by the mother and Frank with a glad wel- 
come. They had also been busy gathering a large heap 
of wood for our watch-fires, and supper had been ready 
for a long time. After relating our adventures, the 
mother hastened to describe the performances of her- 
self and little Frank during our absence. 

They had discovered a path through the bushes 
which led to the foot of a rock, and here they had found 
a peculiar kind of white lime or pipeclay, of which my 
wife thought we might be able to make china cups and 
saucers and plates. They had also met with bamboo 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


cane suitable for pipes to convey the water which 
flowed fresh and sparkling from a rock close by, and 
not far from the farm. 

‘‘A hole could be dug in the ground,’’ said my wife, 
^‘to which the water could be conducted by the bam- 
boo pipes, and what a boon this would be for our ani- 
mals ! I broke off a large piece of the rock from which 
the water flows,” she continued, ‘‘and with this and 
the mixture of the white clay I constructed a fireplace 
for cooking, much more convenient than stones. The 
remainder of the day I and Frank employed in gath- 
ering materials for the watch-fires, bamboo canes, as 
well as a supply of white clay, all of which we brought 
here on the cart drawn by the buffalo and the ox.” 

“Papa,” said Frank, after I had thanked my wife 
for her industry, “I saw some pieces of the white clay 
in the fireplace burnt hard, and looking almost like 
glass.” 

“Like glass, eh, Frank!” I said. “Well, after the 
watch-fires are lighted I will try it.” 

I concluded it was of a vitreous nature, and could 
easily be made useful for crockery, as my wife sup- 
posed. 

Earnestly the boy watched me as I softened the white 
clay and formed it into the shape of two bowls, which I 
then placed in the hot cinders of the watch-fire. 

“We must leave them there all night, Franky,” I 
said, “and perhaps by the morning we shall find two 
pretty glass bowls.” 

After the wounds of our brave dogs had been care- 
fully washed, touched with ointment, and bound up, 
they laid themselves down by the watch-fire, and 
seemed much relieved. 

The history of our day’s journey and adventures 
with the ostriches, and the fight with the bears, how- 
ever, occupied little Frank’s mind so completely, that 
he could talk of nothing else but the fact that we were 
421 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


all to go to the bears’ cave next day, and not only help 
in saving the beautiful fur and salting the flesh, but 
also to bring home the eggs of the ostrich and the large 
handsome feathers we had left behind. 

Even when we retired to the tent, glad of the rest 
we so much needed after our exertions. Prank could 
not readily fall asleep for thinking of the morrow. 


CHAPTEE XXXI 

THE CONDOE — FKANK HEAES THE CUCKOO 

E arly next morning I arose, and waking my sleep- 
ing household, proceeded at once to examine the 
pipeclay bowls. They had become hard and glazed, 
but in consequence of the great heat of the fire the 
bowls were too brittle, and had the clay been formed 
into cups and saucers, this fact would have rendered 
them useless. 

After offering our morning prayer and partaking 
of breakfast, we harnessed the animals to the cart, and 
started on the way to the bears ’ cave. 

Fritz, who was a little in advance of us, no sooner 
came in sight of the entrance, than he cried out, 

‘ ‘ Make haste ! make haste ! Here is an immense flock 
of turkeys; perhaps they have assembled to do honor 
to the funeral of the poor slaughtered bears. And 
there’s a sort of meddling fellow parading before the 
cave, as if he were a sentinel placed there to prevent 
the dead from being disturbed.” 

The bird described by Fritz as a sentinel was of im- 
mense size, with a bright red comb on his head, and 
lappets of the same color under his throat. He had a 
long beak, and a collar of white feathers round his 
neck, which fell upon his purple-red breast. The rest 
of the bird’s plumage appeared of a dark brown 
speckled with white. 

This large bird marched up and down in front of 
the entrance to the cave like a sentinel, now and then 
stepping in, but not to remain for long. Other and 
smaller birds were inside, who, with loud cries and 
rustling wings, drove him back. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We had been watching this amusing spectacle for 
some minutes, when a rushing sound of flapping wings 
in the air startled us. We looked up, and saw an 
enormous bird descending to the cave. At the same 
moment Fritz fired, and the bird, in falling heav- 
ily, struck his head against the rock and broke his 
neck. 

The dogs, who had been held in a leash, broke loose 
at this, and rushed into the cave, putting to flight the 
birds inside, who rose slowly in the air, followed by the 
majestic watcher. Fritz fired again, but the ball 
passed him by unhurt, and the bird, which was evi- 
dently the king vulture, soared to the clouds majestic- 
ally, and was soon out of sight. 

Two, however, remained, as the result of Fritz’s 
gunshots: one which very much resembled a turkey, 
and the large one, which I imagined must be a condor 
by its size, for it measured sixteen feet from its beak 
to the tip of its tail. 

I at last entered the cave, and found, to my satisfac- 
tion, that only the eyes and the tongue of one of the 
bears had been meddled with. Assisted by the boys, 
I commenced at once to skin and cut up the animals, 
and prepare the flesh by salting, as I had done with 
our other booty. 

This work occupied two whole days, during which 
we had erected our tent outside the cave. At the end 
of that period we loaded the cart with the skins and 
the salted flesh, and journeyed with them to Prospect 
Hill, that the latter might be smoked in the arbor. 
This was more especially necessary for the hams, 
which were large, and we hoped would prove as agree- 
able eating as the boar hams of Westphalia. Next day 
we returned to our tent outside the cave. The birds 
of prey were totally unfit for food, as birds which feed 
on carrion always are, but we plucked them, and 
cleansed the feathers. Some of the condor’s wing- 
424 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


feathers were very beautiful, but not equal to those of 
the ostrich. 

I had always regretted that the tree from which the 
bark was obtained that gave such an aromatic flavor 
to the roasted peccary, should grow so far off. How- 
ever, I told the boys that I had seen in this neighbor- 
hood several bushes which I believed were the pepper- 
plant. 

I had noticed that clusters of berries, something 
like currants, but not so large, grew on these bushes ; 
but the clusters being fuller and the berries closer to- 
gether, they bore a greater resemblance to bunches of 
grapes. 

The berries were varied in color, some being red, 
others green or white. The boys readily promised to 
assist me in collecting about a hundred young shoots 
of these bushes, to plant at Falcon ^s Nest and Zelt- 
heim, as well as at other places, when we returned 
from our excursion. 

My boys had been for some time anxious to com- 
mence a journey over the island alone, but I could not 
spare them until the bear hams and other portions 
were thoroughly smoked and dried, and fit to be added 
to our stores during the rainy season, without danger 
of spoiling. 

At len^h, no more smoking being required for the 
hams, I told the boys they might prepare for their 
journey. My information was received by three of the 
lively youngsters with shouts of joy. Ernest alone 
held back, and asked to be allowed to remain with his 
mother ; and Frank entreated me to let him accompany 
Fritz and Jack, instead of Ernest. 

After some consideration I gave my consent, and 
the joyful shouts were repeated. Lightfoot, Storm, 
and Grumbler were soon saddled, and the three riders 
sprang to their seats, waving their hands in farewell, 
and looking happy and delighted. In front of each 
425 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


cavalier hung the bag containing his store of pro- 
visions, and in a belt round his waist were fastened his 
pistol, knife, ax, and game-bag. 

I and my wife watched them, as, accompanied by the 
dogs, they rode away. 

‘‘Ah,’’ thought I, “we must learn to trust them to 
their own resources. They are growing manly and 
strong, and if I were to die, I could even now trust the 
mother and his three brothers to the care of Fritz. 
Heaven will watch over them, and I believe that God, 
in His Providence, will protect them this day from 
harm.” 

During their absence, while examining the rock at 
the hack of the bears’ cave, I discovered a number of 
long asbestos threads, which I knew when melted would 
form talc. This I could make valuable to us for win- 
dow-panes, being much clearer and more transparent 
than the fish glue which I had used for the windows of 
our rock house. 

My wife received the news of this discovery with 
great satisfaction ; she said it had always been a trou- 
ble to her to have window-panes that were not trans- 
parent. 

As the evening approached, she placed on the stone 
fireplace a pot containing two of the salted bears’ feet 
to stew for supper, and then we seated ourselves, to 
wait with anxiety and impatience for the return of our 
boy hunters. At last we heard the clatter of hoofs 
approaching at a sharp trot, and distant sounds of 
joyful cheering. I went to meet the riders. 

Like military hussars, they slackened rein when they 
saw me, and sprang from their chargers, took otf the 
saddles, and left the animals free to enjoy the sweet 
grass and the fresh water from the brook at their own 
free will. Then they hastened to join their mother at 
the tent, who received them joyfully. 

Jack and Frank each carried a young kid slung across 

426 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


his shoulders, and the movement in Fritz’s game-bag 
gave me the impression that it contained something 
alive. 

‘‘The chase for ever, papa!” cried Jack, in a loud 
voice; “the chase for ever! And what splendid fel- 
lows Storm and Grumbler are to run over level ground ! 
They so tired the little creature we followed for a long 
distance, that we were able at last to catch it with our 
hands.” 

“Yes, papa!” exclaimed Frank; “and Fritz has two 
such pretty rabbits in his bag. And we were very 
nearly bringing you some honey, mamma, only we 
stopped to hear the cuckoo.” 

“Ah, but you forget the best!” cried F!ritz. “We 
met a troop of antelopes, and they were so tame, we 
might have brought one home easily had we wished.” 

“Ah, stay, my boy,” I said; you have forgotten the 
best: the goodness of God in bringing you all home 
safely to the arms of your parents, and preserving you 
from danger on the way. But presently you must give 
us a straightforward account of your journey, from 
the beginning, after you have rested.” 

The boys on this hastily ran to refresh themselves, 
by bathing their faces and hands and removing the 
game-bags and arms from their girdles. The story of 
their day’s adventures was then commenced by Fritz. 

“When we left this morning,” he said, “we pro- 
ceeded at a quick trot through the green valley, and 
soon reached the narrow defile between the rocks and 
the river, and came presently to a slight elevation, 
from which we could see a large extent of country. 
From this point we noticed a herd of pretty animals, 
but I could not tell whether they were goats, ante- 
lopes, or gazelles. A thought struck me that we might 
drive them along the bank of the river towards Wood 
Grange. 

“We each separated, placing ourselves at three dif- 

427 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ferent points, and holding back the dogs. Frank was 
to keep along the bank of the river, Jack placed him- 
self at a distance from him, and I, mounted on the 
onager, stood at a point opposite to Jack. We ad- 
vanced cautiously towards the pretty creatures, and 
came gradually nearer, but on seeing us many of them 
started off at a rapid pace. Then they became con- 
fused, and stood close together, staring at us wildly. 
At this moment we let the dogs loose, and galloped 
after them at full speed ourselves. The confused ani- 
mals turned from us towards the narrow defile, as we 
intended they should, for we had placed ourselves at 
these different points to oblige them to do so. 

“I wanted to drive them to Wood Grange, and I 
knew this could only be done by making them prisoners 
in the defile. To produce this result, we tied a piece 
of string, at a distance of about four feet from the 
ground, across the whole breadth of the pass. Upon 
it we fastened the ostrich feathers from our caps and 
some pieces of old rags we had in our game-bags. The 
wind blew them wildly about, so that when the animals 
attempted to go back, they were alarmed, and turned 
to proceed, as I wished, towards Wood Grange; for 
on one side was the water, opposite to it ourselves, the 
dogs at various points, and behind them these alarm- 
ing-looking feathers and rags. And therefore, papa, 
as they could only go forward, I have really succeeded 
in attracting them to our farm.^’ 

‘^Well done, my boy! The idea was a clever one. 
But tell me,’’ I said, ‘‘what made you think of it?” 

“I read an account of the methods adopted by the 
natives of the Cape of Good Hope to tame antelopes, 
by bringing them into association with other animals, 
in a book named ‘Travels in South Africa,’ by Cap- 
tain Levaillant, a naturalist, so I thought I would try 
tha experiment. ’ ’ 

“I am glad you remember what you read, Fritz,” 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I replied; ‘‘but where did you find the rabbits, and how 
do you propose to keep them? Babbits multiply so 
quickly, that our fields and gardens would soon be 
overrun with them.’’ 

“Ah, but you forget, papa,” replied the boy. “We 
have two small islands on which • these pretty little 
creatures could live without being the slightest trou- 
ble to us, and we should not only have their flesh as 
an additional store of food for our table, but their 
fur, which is quite as useful as the skin of the civet rat ; 
and even if these creatures are as plentiful as rabbits, 
their flesh is useless, because of the musk. Besides, 
on our islands there are quantities of vegetables and 
green food which grow without cultivation.” 

“You are quite right, Fritz,” I said; “and I will 
help you to carry out your plan with great pleasure. 
Have you brought living rabbits?” 

“Yes, papa; two. We saw a number of them scam- 
pering about, and I sent up my eagle. He brought 
me three — two alive and one dead. I gave him the 
dead one as a reward. The two living rabbits are in a 
basket cage now, papa. I put them in it as soon as 
we arrived. I hope we shall be able to take them to 
one of the islands very quickly.” 

“Papa,” said Jack, impatiently, before I could an- 
swer his brother, “isn’t it my turn to speak now? It’s 
all on the tip of my tongue, and I want to tell you what 
Frank and I did. ” 

“Of course. Jack,” I replied, smiling; “and I am 
quite ready to listen to your adventures. How did 
you bring down those beautiful little kids?” 

“In a gallop, papa; Frank and I together. Fritz 
was some distance off, following the rabbits, and we 
rode slowly behind him. Our dogs were sniffing about 
in a restless manner over the thick grass, and pres- 
ently they started two animals that we took for hares. 
Oh, how they did run and spring along in front of us ! 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


but we kept them in sight, and followed on Storm and 
Grumbler at full gallop, sometimes even leaving the 
dogs behind. In about a quarter of an hour they lost 
breath, and fell panting on the ground. We sprang 
off our saddles, drove back the dogs, and found that, 
instead of hares, the creatures were two beautiful lit- 
tle fawns. We lifted them in our arms and bathed 
their delicate legs with palm wine, then slung them on 
our shoulders, as you saw, and rode back to Fritz. 
And that is the history of our hunting exploits.^’ 

^^And very successful, too,’’ I replied, ‘Gf you take 
care of the little creatures and can tame them. I do. 
not think they are fawns, however, but a kind of dwarf 
antelope. And now tell me. Jack, what causes your 
face to be so inflamed and swollen? One would think 
you had been attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes.” 

^*No, papa,” replied Jack, laughing; got my 
wounds by meddling. We were trotting slowly to- 
wards home, when I noticed a bird that flew past us 
to a tree with a whirr and a rustle of the wings, and 
then waited till we came up to fly off again to another 
tree. Frank thought it might be an enchanted prin- 
cess, who was attracting us to follow her, that we 
might set her free from enchantment, but I felt a wish 
to aim at it for its boldness. Fritz, however, laughed 
at me for thinking of firing a gun loaded with ball at 
a small bird. 

‘Besides,’ he said, ‘you would not wish to kill a 
cuckoo — the bird that tells us in Europe that spring is 
come.’ 

“ ‘Its note doesn’t sound exactly like our cuckoo,’ 
I said. 

“ ‘Perhaps not,’ replied Fritz; ‘but I think this is 
one of those singular birds I have read of called the 
honey cuckoo, who attracts the attention of travelers, 
as if wishing to inform them that honey could be found 
in a tree close by.’ 


430 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘On hearing this, Frank and I were quite ready to 
follow the bird, and presently it alighted on a tree, 
ceased its song, and stood still. We stopped also, and, 
after examining the tree, found a bees’ nest in the 
hollow trunk not far from the ground. We all talked 
about what we ought to do to get some of the honey, 
but in our wisdom there was very little common sense ; 
for when Fritz at last proposed that we should suffo- 
cate the bees with sulphur, I lighted a brimstone match 
and threw it into the tree, never thinking of stopping 
up the hole. 

“In a moment the bees were upon me, those inside 
as well as those who were returning home for the even- 
ing. They attacked me in every exposed part — ^my 
face, my hands — and some even got into my hair. I 
could only at last leap on my buffalo, and gallop away 
from my enemies. As soon as I got clear of them, I 
touched my face with wet earth, but it still burns and 
smarts terribly.” 

“The meddling robber often punishes himself,” I 
said, with a smile. “You have plenty of courage, my 
boy, but very little caution. And now go at once to 
your mother : she will bathe your face with something 
to cool it and allay the pain.” 

He came to me shortly after, to tell me how much 
easier it was after his mother’s remedy, and then ran 
to attend to his fawns, and to see that they were safe 
and comfortably lodged for the night. 

I went with the boys to examine the rabbits; they 
were large and handsome animals, and I decided that 
they should be carried to Whale Island as soon as we 
returned to Falcon’s Nest or Eock Castle. 

But my thoughts rested more earnestly on the bird 
which my boys had met with. It appeared to be really 
one of those which point out the position of honey, as 
the boys had described. The fact troubled me. Why 
should such birds exist here unless the island was in- 
431 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


habited? Other circumstances also seemed to indi- 
cate, in this region at least, the presence of man. Many 
animals had presented themselves, such as apes and 
buffaloes, as well as birds often domesticated, and I 
could not get rid of the idea that the interior of the 
island on which we lived was inhabited by human 
beings. 

This impression made me determined to erect a kind 
of fortification on Whale Island, and to place there a 
battery with two cannons, one at the entrance to De- 
liverance Bay, the other inland, on the shores of the 
Jackal Eiver. 

After the antelope kids and the rabbits had been 
cared for, I showed the boys the discovery I had made 
among the rocks in the bears’ cave, of a species of 
asbestos, and explained to them the great advantage 
it would be to us to make talc for window-panes ; but 
they scarcely looked at it, and were much more inter- 
ested when the mother called them to supper. The 
odor from the hears ’ feet was very tempting, but, un- 
fortunately, they bore such a resemblance to human 
hands as they lay on the dish, that Jack exclaimed, in 
the words of the ogre in the story of ‘‘Jack and the 
Beanstalk.” 

“I smell the flesh of an Englishman!” 

His mother was shocked at the suggestion, but the 
boys laughed, and were glad enough to enjoy for their 
supper the tempting morsels, in spite of Jack’s re- 
mark. After we had finished, the watch-fire was 
lighted, and we retired to rest in our tent. 

I aroused my children early the next morning, as I 
intended that there should be at least one more excur- 
sion before returning to Kock House, where many ar- 
rangements had to be made in preparation for the 
rainy season, which was approaching. 

We had worked well so far. The flesh of the bears 
had been salted and smoked, and the fat melted down ; 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


we had also^ a large number of bamboo canes ; but I 
wished to discover whether the ostrich had deserted 
the eggs we had left in the sand, and also to obtain a 
supply of gum from the euphorbia, or purple flower- 
ing spurge. I had noticed this gum oozing from the 
trunk of one of these trees on our last expedition, and 
I knew it would be useful in many ways. 

^ Fritz gave up his onager to me, and rode the foal, 
little Swift, which promised to become a clever courser. 
Ernest remained at home to help his mother, for the 
quiet, indolent boy took very little interest in these 
fatiguing excursions. Frank gladly joined us : he was 
a spirited little fellow, and as fond of enterprise as 
J ack. 

We set out with the two old dogs, leaving Fawn and 
Brownie as a body-guard to those who remained at the 
tent. Jack rode the buffalo, and Frank the young ox. 
We proceeded at once towards the green valley, and 
this time took the direction we had followed on our 
first visit to Wood Grange, and presently came to the 
marshy ground where Fritz had caught the turtle. 
Here we filled our water-flasks, and, proceeding om 
wards, shortly afterwards arrived at the rising ground 
from which we had seen the ostriches. We had given 
it the name of the Arabian Watch-tower, because Fritz 
had mistaken the birds for Arabs on horseback. 

At this point I allowed Jack and Frank to press for- 
ward, as they wanted to gallop, on condition that they 
should not allow me to lose sight of them. Meanwhile 
I remained to collect the gum of the euphorbia-tree 
which grew at this spot. I had, on discovering the 
tree, made incisions in the bark, from which the gum 
had flowed abundantly. This was placed in the hollow 
of a bamboo cane, which carried it splendidly. 

As we continued on our way, we saw our advance 
guard at a great distance in front, but still in sight, on 
the broad level plain. Presently Fritz said, 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Papa, did you not tell me this gum was poisonous? 
Why have you gathered such a large quantity?’^ 

“I mean to use it to destroy the apes if they again 
attack the farm,^^ I replied, “as well as the insects 
that injure the trees and vegetables ; but I shall care- 
fully avoid planting the euphorbia-tree itself near any 
of our dwellings.’’ 

We now trotted on quickly after our cavaliers, and 
found that they had halted within sight of a number 
of ostriches. We joined them cautiously, and Fritz, 
who wished very much to capture a living ostrich, had 
the forethought to tie firmly the beak of his eagle, so 
that, should he let the bird free to bring down one of 
the ostriches, he would be unable to injure it. The 
creatures were now advancing towards us, and, hastily 
dismounting, I gave up the onager to Fritz, that he 
might be able to follow the fugitive more speedily on 
a stronger animal than the foal. 

He was only just in time. Four magnificent birds 
were seen approaching us at almost incredible swift- 
ness, followed by the two young riders, who were driv- 
ing the poor animals towards us, accompanied by the 
dogs. They were close within gunshot before they 
perceived us, and at this moment Fritz sent up his 
eagle, which at once pounced upon the head of the 
nearest ostrich, but, in consequence of his bound beak, 
he could only beat his wings on the creature’s back, 
without hurting him. 

The eagle, however, so confused and alarmed the 
bird, that he could not defend himself nor continue his 
flight. Jack quickly threw the lasso, but instead of 
catching only the legs, as he intended, the string be- 
came also entangled in the wings. The bird at once 
fell to the ground, while the boys set up shouts of joy 
as they ran to the spot. Fritz called oft his eagle and 
drove away the dogs, and I lost no time in endeavor- 
ing to set the wings free and tie the legs. But the 

m 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


struggles of the bird were fearful, and the violence 
with which he kicked right and left with his entangled 
legs made us fear to approach him. 

I had begun to despair of making him a prisoner, 
when happily I thought of covering his eyes by throw- 
ing my handkerchief over his head. The moment I 
did so the struggles ceased, and I rushed up quickly 
to tie it round the neck. After this we had no further 
trouble, all resistance ceased, and I was able to fasten 
round his body a broad piece of dog-fish skin, with 
two openings for the tips of the wings, and on each 
side of this a piece of strong cord was attached, that 
we might lead him easily. 1 also tied the two legs to- 
gether loosely, with a cord of sufficient length to allow 
him to run fast, but not to make his escape. 

^^Do you remember having read of the manner in 
which the natives of India secure the newly-captured 
elephants 1 asked the boys. 

‘‘Oh, yes,’’ cried Fritz, “they bind the wild animal 
with strong leading-reins between two tame elephants, 
and also fetter its trunk.” 

“All right,” replied Jack, laughing; “but we ought 
to have two tame ostriches to lead this one, and where 
are we to find them?” 

“True, my boy,” I replied, also with a laugh; “but 
must they be ostriches? Have we not Storm and 
Grumbler, such capital fellows to run?” 

“Oh, papa,” cried all the boys, joyfully, “that is a 
famous plan! it is sure not to fail!” 

I at once commenced preparations : I led Storm and 
Grumbler one on each side of the animal, who still lay 
on the ground. I then added to the strings which I had 
fastened to the skin of the dog-fish, two leading-reins, 
one of which I attached to the bridle of Storm, and the 
other to the horns of Grumbler. Then my little cava- 
liers, Jack and Frank, mounted to their saddles, and 
sat firmly waiting for what would follow. 

435 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I removed the handkerchief from the bird’s eyes, 
and placed myself at a little distance to see the result. 
For some moments he remained without moving, as if 
sulky; then with a sudden spring rose to his feet, and 
seeing no obstacle in his way, darted forward so 
quickly that the sudden jerk of the reins brought him 
on his knees. He was soon up again, and began to 
struggle violently, and rush right and left, in vain at- 
tempts to escape. But the strong necks of Storm and 
Grumbler were proof against all these efforts, and 
after one more attempt to beat his confined wings, he 
gave way and sank again to the ground. 

After allowing him a few minutes’ rest after his 
struggles, a slight touch of the whip brought the cap- 
tive to his feet, and as Storm and Grumbler at the 
same moment moved forward, he seemed inclined to 
accommodate himself to their steps, and was com- 
pletely subdued. Presently the boys put their coursers 
into a gallop: Fritz and I followed, and were greatly 
amused to observe how the strides of the ostrich, which 
were limited by the length of the string attached to his 
legs, were still long enough to enable him to keep up 
easily with the gallop of Storm and Grumbler. 

After a long run, I told them to draw rein and walk 
on slowly with their prisoner to the Arabian Watch- 
tower, and wait there for us. Fritz and I then turned 
our steps to the spot in which we had left the eggs of 
the ostrich. I had brought with me a bag and some 
cotton-wool to wrap them in. On reaching the place, 
we found evident signs that the hen bird had been sit- 
ting on her eggs, and it raised joyful hopes in our 
minds that we might very soon find little ostrich chicks 
running about, which the heat of the sun by day, and 
the mo&er’s care at night, had brought into existence. 

We only took possession, however, of a few, leaving 
the rest to the mother’s care; and after packing our 
fragile treasures in the cotton-wool, and placing them 
436 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in the bag, I mounted Swift with the eggs in front of 
me, for they required to he carried most carefully, 
and then started to rejoin the boys and their captive 
at the Arabs’ Watch-tower. From thence we at once 
proceeded to the tent at the bears’ cave, — for this day 
at least we had obtained sufficient booty, — and passing 
through the green valley on our way, we arrived safe, 
rather earlier than we were expected. 

The admiration expressed by my wife when she saw 
the new arrival was quickly turned to anxiety. 

‘‘I shall want you to discover an iron-mine next, if 
your new companion can swallow iron, as I suppose 
he can from what I have heard. And, my dear boys, ’ ’ 
she exclaimed, addressing Jack and Frank, ‘‘how else 
do you suppose we are to feed that enormous creature ? 
And where is he to live ? Besides, I cannot see that he 
will he of any possible use.” 

“Mamma, I will teach him to carry me on his back,” 
exclaimed Jack, “as Storm does. And some day, if we 
find that our island is joined to Africa or South Amer- 
ica, I shall be able to get to these places in a few days, 
and bring back all sorts of news. He flies like the 
wind, mamma, and his name ought to be Hurricane: 
and Ernest shall have Storm, if only I may learn to 
ride the ostrich.” 

“But, papa,” said Frank, almost in tears, “ought 
Jack to have the ostrich all to himself? You know I 
helped to hunt him, and Fritz’s eagle brought him 
down.” 

“Very good,” I said; “but in that case, as the un- 
fortunate bird belongs to all three of you, it must be 
divided into three parts. The head belongs to Fritz, 
because that was the part which the eagle seized, and 
you and Jack must each have half of the body, which 
was tied to the animals you and he rode, with the one 
wing and one leg.” 

This proposal caused a laugh amongst the boys, for 

437 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I knew neitHer of them would agree to have the ostrich 
destroyed. I however settled the matter in this way. 

Jack succeeds in taming the creature, and teach- 
ing him to receive a rider on his back, and to answer 
the movements of the bridle and the knee like a horse, 
then I am sure he will deserve to consider the animal 
his own, as a reward for his exertions. From this 
time, therefore, he is responsible for the training of 
the ostrich.’^ 

It was now too late in the day to resume our journey, 
but I untied the leading-reins from Storm and Grum- 
bler, and set the prisoner free, to place him in safety 
for the night. With the assistance of the boys, I care- 
fully and firmly fastened the leading-reins round the 
stems of two trees, between which the ostrich could 
stand or lie down as he wished, but not escape. 

The rest of the day we employed in packing up, ready 
to take to the rock house, the many valuable things 
we had discovered during these excursions. 


438 


CHAPTER XXXn 


THE OSTEICH TEAIHEB 

W E rose early next morning to proceed on onr way, 
but the ostrich was still so untamed, that we 
were obliged again to fasten him between Storm and 
Grumbler. On this occasion the whole household was 
included, as we intended to travel by the way of Wood 
Grange and Falcon’s Nest to our home at Rock Cas- 
tle. 

Storm and Grumbler being in charge of the ostrich, 
we harnessed the cow to the cart, which was loaded 
with the tent and the recent discoveries. Room was 
left for my wife to ride, while Jack and Frank rode 
Storm and Grumbler : I mounted Lightfoot, and Fritz 
was seated on Swift, the foal. 

Altogether, our caravan presented a picturesque ap- 
pearance. On passing the defile we halted, as the boys 
wished to remove the feathers of the ostrich which 
they had fastened on a string as a snare to the ante- 
lopes. I was glad of the opportunity also to increase 
our store of pipeclay, as I fully intended to try my 
hand at making china, during our residence in our 
winter home. We stopped again at the sugar-cane 
grove, to collect the peccary hams which had been left 
in the arbor to be smoked. 

My wife asked me also to gather some of the aro- 
matic seeds which grew in this neighborhood, one of 
which had the scent of vanilla. I obtained a good sup- 
ply for her, and while returning to the caravan, Fritz 
and I observed that no trace of the footsteps of ante- 
lopes and gazelles were visible in the sand; we hoped, 
439 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


therefore, to find them safely domiciled at Wood 
Grange. 

On reaching the farm, we unharnessed the beasts, 
tied up the ostrich between two trees, and, after a 
hasty supper, retired to our tent, glad of the bundles 
of cotton-wool for pillows, after such a long and fa- 
tiguing day^s march. 

Next morning we visited the farmyard, and to our 
great satisfaction found that two of the hens had fine 
broods of chickens, which my wife was anxious to re- 
move to Eock House. We were beginning to long for 
our home in the cave, which seemed more than ever 
homelike, after so long an absence ; and it was decided, 
therefore, that we should return there as soon as pos- 
sible. 

The rabbits and the young antelopes were still kept 
in their cages, and the latter were becoming quite tame 
and sociable, which greatly pleased me. 

We found also that the flock of antelopes, driven by 
Jack and Frank to our farm, had settled themselves 
comfortably in the park-like spot, adding greatly to the 
beauty of the scenery. 

While at the farm, we carefully repaired the house 
and animal-stalls, to render them still more safe 
against the attacks of the apes or wild beasts, and also 
to make the former ready for our own accommodation 
when we re-visited the spot. 

The number of pigs, goats, and poultry had greatly 
increased since the colony had been formed: we saw 
with pleasure the little pigs, kids, and chicks running 
about, and seeming greatly to enjoy their freedom. 
But they were rather shy of our approach, though not 
so wild as on our first appearance, after the inroads 
of the apes on their dwelling. Having arranged every- 
thing to our satisfaction, we retired to rest, fully in- 
tending to start early next morning for our grotto 
home in the rock. 


440 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


On arriving with the animals and our various acqui- 
sitions which formed the cart-load, about noon, my 
wife^s first performance was to open the door and win- 
dows, to admit the fresh air. 

The ostrich was set free from his leaders, and again 
tied between two bamboo canes in front of the dwelling, 
and there I determined he should remain till he be- 
came quite tamed. 

The ostrich-eggs were placed in warm water, and 
those which we fancied contained young birds were 
laid, wrapped in wool, in the drying stove, raised to a 
certain heat by the aid of a thermometer, in the hope 
that they might be hatched. 

On the following day operations were commenced in 
earnest, and, as the most important, a rabbit hutch was 
constructed, as a dwelling for the Angora rabbits. A 
comfortable nest was made for them by my wife in the 
inner division, of cotton-wool and straw, and they were 
then carried to Shark’s Island and set at liberty, to 
their great delight. 

My next care was for those gentle, graceful crea- 
tures, the antelopes. We had brought them to Eock 
House, but we could not allow them freedom, because 
I feared the dogs might frighten the pretty little ani- 
mals; and they were also evidently fretting and un- 
happy in confinement. 

We hastened, therefore, to take them to Whale 
Island, after having erected a shelter for them, and 
it was a pleasure to witness their delight when they 
found themselves free, and able to spring and bound 
as they pleased. A store of food was left on both 
islands, to supply the animals till they had become 
used to the spot and knew how to provide for them- 
selveSi These arrangements for the rabbits and ante- 
lopes occupied us for the whole of two days. 

One of the little tortoises found at Wood Grange 
I brought with me to Eock House, intending to place it 
441 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in onr vegetable garden, to destroy tbe snails and other 
insects; but fearing tbe creature might also eat the 
young plants, I sent Jack to place it among the rushes 
near the duck-pond. 

He had not been absent long on this commission, 
when we heard loud calls from the neighborhood of the 
marsh. 

Fritz! Fritz!’’ cried the boy, ‘‘come and help 
me, make haste ! and bring a bamboo cane with 
you. ’ ’ 

Fritz obeyed the call quickly, while I wondered what 
could be the cause of this commotion, although, after 
all, it might only be one of Jack’s skirmishes with the 
frogs. But presently, to my surprise, the three boys 
appeared, in high glee, carrying a net in which was im- 
prisoned a magnificent eel. Ernest had secretly laid 
two nets on the previous day: one of them was empty 
and torn, the other contained the delicious fish, which 
the mother at once took charge of, and promised to 
cook a portion of it for our dinner. The remainder 
was to be boiled in salt and water and rubbed with 
butter, to preserve it. 

The verandah or balcony, which we had partly 
erected while building the pigeon-house, stood in front 
of our home in the rock. It was formed of tall slender 
bamboo canes, and the beams of the roof, which sloped 
from the rock, were attached to a long thick plank 
which rested firmly on the canes. At the foot of the 
bamboo supports I planted the young shoots of the 
vanilla and pepper, as well as other creeping plants 
which could be trained round them; not only to im- 
prove the aspect of our rock house, but also to form a 
pleasant shade during the hot weather. My wife was 
equally busy in the house. With the help of one of 
the boys, she placed the bear and peccary hams in the 
store-chamber. 

The hens and chickens we had brought from the farm 

442 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


were kept in a hen-coop, and fed daily with barley and 
crumbs, my wife having placed them in a shady spot 
under her own eye, for we feared Master Nip or the 
jackal might be inclined to make some unfortunate ex- 
periments on their anatomy. 

The bears ’ skins were laid in the sea near the shore 
to purify them, and under great stones to prevent them 
from being carried away by the waves, or dragged 
from their position by sea-crabs. 

The skins of the musk rats still emitted a powerful 
odor ; we therefore tied them together, and hung them 
in the open air under the roof of the verandah, that 
the interior of the dwelling might be free from the 
smell. 

The condor and the vulture were placed in the mu- 
seum, to be stuffed during the rainy season, when 
work out of doors would be impossible. I also brought 
in the mica, or pipeclay, and asbestos. With the for- 
mer I hoped to make china vessels and window-panes, 
and of the latter wicks for our lamp. Every edi- 
ble article had been given to my wife to add to the 
stores, but the gum of the euphorbia I took charge of 
myself, wrapping it carefully in paper, on which 
I wrote in large letters Poison, as a warning to my 
boys. 

These arrangements employed us two days, and now 
several duties presented themselves, all apparently of 
equal importance: the cultivation of an acre of land 
to receive wheat, barley, and maize, the taming of the 
ostrich, the management of the ostrich’s eggs, and the 
preparation of the bears’ skins. 

We decided that the field cultivation was the most 
important, yet very fatiguing, as none of us had been 
used to the heavy work of farm laborers or plowboys. 
However, we set about it with a good will. 

The animals, being now accustomed to the yoke, 
were very useful in drawing the plow; but the plow- 
443 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


share was a light one, and did not turn up the earth 
deep enough, and we had, therefore, to dig, hoe, and 
work with all our strength. 

It was not possible to follow this laborious employ- 
ment during the heat of the day ; we therefore worked 
for two hours in the morning, and two in the evening. 
Yet we fully realized the words of Scripture, ‘‘By the 
sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread. ’ ’ 

During the intervals of rest from this heavy labor 
I had noticed that our poor captive, the ostrich, ap- 
peared untamable. I was therefore obliged at last to 
use the means adopted in taming the eagle, and to 
stupefy him with the fumes of tobacco. 

The powerful effect it had rather alarmed me, for 
he fell to the earth, and remained for some time mo- 
tionless. When at last he raised his head, I length- 
ened the string, that he might get up and walk round 
the bamboo canes to which he was tied. My wife then 
brought all kinds of nourishment which she thought 
the creature would eat, but, although subdued and evi- 
dently mourning over his fate, the poor captive re- 
fused everything that was offered him for three whole 
days, and became so feeble and weak, that we feared 
he would die. 

At length my wife determined to try to save the 
creature’s life by an experiment. She made balls of 
crushed niaize mixed with butter, one of which she 
placed inside his beak. It was immediately swallowed 
with ease, and a second and third eagerly looked for. 
From that moment his appetite returned, and he ate 
whatever was offered to him, and soon recovered his 
strength. 

But now all the wild nature of the bird had van- 
ished, we began to doubt whether we should find enough 
to feed him. 

The boys were surprised one day to find the creature 
swallowing small pebbles, but I explained to them that 
444 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the ostrich requires these to enable it to digest its food, 
as other small birds need gravel. 

At all events, Master Whirlwind, as Jack had named 
him, lived principally on vegetables, maize, and acorns, 
and became so tame, that we could do as we liked with 
him: a welcome result, as the education could com- 
mence at once. 

In less than a month the ostrich had been trained 
by Jack to walk and run with the boy on his back so 
cleverly, that I began to consider how far we might 
make him useful as a riding-horse. 

I could easily contrive a saddle, but how could a bit 
be made to suit a bird’s beak, or reins to guide an os- 
trich 1 

I was almost inclined to give it up, when I suddenly 
remembered that the change from light to darkness, 
or the contrary, greatly influenced the creature. 

I determined, therefore, to construct a leathern hood, 
something like that worn by the eagle, but of course 
larger. It was to reach from the back of the head to 
the commencement of the beak in front, and to have 
holes cut in it for the eyes and ears.* Having fitted 
this to the bird’s head, I fastened a ring on each side, 
and my wife sewed on 'strings to tie it under his throat. 

Over the eye-holes two square flaps were sewed, to 
be raised or let fall by a connection with the bridle, 
which was formed of a strap fastened at each end of 
the rings at the beak. I hoped by this arrangement to 
guide our feathered courser, for I had noticed that 
darkness would immediately bring the creature to a full 
stop, even while running swiftly. My plan was this : 

If the rider wished to go straight forward, both 
eye-holes would remain uncovered; then to make the 
creature turn to the left, he must let down the little 

* This hood must have resembled the hoods of horse clothing which 
valuable horses wear when taken out by the grooms for exercise. These 
hoods have no doubt been seen frequently by the readers of this story. 

445 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


curtain over the right eye, or if to the right, the left eye 
must be covered; and to stop him, the light must be 
shut out from both eyes. 

The performance, however, proved more difficult to 
carry out than I had expected ; but by degrees and with 
a little perseverance the tormented animal at last sub- 
mitted, and in a very short time appeared to under- 
stand the meaning of the covered or uncovered eyes, 
and to obey the movement of the bridle. 

I was rather proud of my contrivance, and I do not 
hesitate to affirm that at the Cape of Good Hope I 
should have received an English patent for my saddle 
and bridle, and have been appointed saddler-in-chief 
to the African ostriches. 

I will here describe the saddle. It was placed near 
the neck of the ostrich, partly resting on the shoulders 
and partly on the back, being fastened by a girth un- 
der the wings and across the breast. This position 
was necessary, as the slope of the back would have 
rendered it unsafe, and the shoulders are the strongest 
part of a bird^s back. 

We did not expect Master Whirlwind to act as a 
beast of burden, but as a fleet courser; and, with Jack 
as his rider, he soon proved his right to the name of 
Whirlwind. His journeys between Falcon ^s Nest and 
Eock House were performed with astonishing rapidity. 

But the wondrous qualities of this fleet steed created 
a little dissension among the boys, who were not at all 
pleased that Jack should be the sole proprietor. Jack, 
however, held fast to his new possession, and his broth- 
ers could not conceal their jealousy. I was therefore 
obliged to interfere. 

must allow Jack to retain the ostrich,” I said, 
“because he is not only lighter in weight than Fritz 
or Ernest, but is more agile in his movements. Frank 
is not strong enough yet to manage such a fleet horse. 
At the same time, I only give up the ostrich to Jack on 
446 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


condition that his brothers may use it occasionally, 
or when it is wanted on any special service requiring 
swiftness. ’ ^ 

By this time our field-work was completed, and sown 
with wheat, barley, and maize. On the opposite shore 
of the Jackal Eiver we had planted potatoes and the 
cassava-root, and here and there other seeds were 
scattered in the fertile soil, which in this climate, as 
we knew, required no cultivation. 

Long before the education of the ostrich was com- 
pleted, Fritz had introduced me to three young os- 
triches, which had been hatched in the oven by keep- 
ing up a certain temperature. They were curious lit- 
tle creatures, delicately formed, but with comical 
heads, and looked like young cygnets, with their yel- 
low down and swan-like throats,’ as they trotted about 
on their long stilt-like legs. 

One of them only lived a few hours, and although 
the mother carefully watched the two remaining chicks, 
and fed them with lightly boiled eggs and milk mixed 
with cassava flour, they were all dead in three days. 

The preparation and cleansing of the bears’ skins 
formed our next employment. They had already been 
salted and dried and scraped. I had no tan, however, 
and to supply this deficiency I mixed honey with water, 
and after boiling the mixture, and waiting till it be- 
came sufficiently cool, I soaked the skins in this honey- 
water for several days, till they were softened and fit 
to use as leather. 

I placed them in the shady arbor we had made near 
the rocks, that they might dry as quickly as possible, 
and before the commencement of the rainy season. 

While boiling the honey-water for soaking the skins, 
the liquid, after being skimmed, appeared so clear, that 
it struck me I might save some of it as a refreshing 
drink, before using any of it for the skins. 

I therefore drew off enough to fill one of our bam- 

447 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


boo-reed casks, and boiled it again with nutmeg, cinna- 
mon, and spurge-leaves. 

The result was most successful, for we tasted the 
brew * and found it both agreeable and refreshing. 
The cask was at once covered carefully, and carried 
to a cool place in the rock cellars. 

My work at the skins proved very successful: the 
leather was without a crease, and free from the least 
unpleasant smell, and the long fur so soft and shining, 
that I felt delighted with the fruit of my labors. 

My success in so many trades induced me next to 
try hat making, and I determined that my first trial 
should be a hat for Frank, of the civet rat or beaver’s 
skin. After several attempts, I at length produced a 
kind of felt, which I colored a bright red with cochi- 
neal, and then dipped it in a solution of India-rubber 
to make it water-tight. I next prepared a wooden 
block, of the size and shape I required, and stretched 
the softened felt upon it ; and after passing a hot iron 
over the fur to smooth it, I left it to dry and get hard 
on the block. ^ 

Next morning I had the satisfaction of presenting 
to my wife and the boys, a well-made, light, firm, and 
elegant little red Swiss hat. My wife admired it 
greatly, and at once prepared to line it with silk, and 
adorn it with a knot of ribbon and two large and two 
small ostrich feathers. This clever production was 
placed on the head of little Frank, and everybody said 
it became him admirably. 

As may be supposed, each of my boys begged me to 
make similar hats for them, and I promised to do so as 
soon as they could obtain for me the necessary ma- 
terial, either civet rats or beavers. I advised them to 
make half a dozen rat-traps, of a size large enough 

* This pleasant drink is still made in many English counties. It 
often appeared at the tables of the rich and noble in the time of the 
Saxons, and is still named, as it was then, mead or metheglin. 

448 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to admit the water-rat, which has the most beautiful 
fur and is the largest of the species. But I told them 
these traps must be made to kill the animal at once, 
not to torture or imprison it, with the prospect of a 
horrid death from dogs. 

I decided, also, that the fifth animal they brought 
me of every five should be mine, that I might obtain 
sufficient materials to make a bonnet for mamma and 
a hat for myself. I made this arrangement to show 
them the justice of paying the workman for his work. 

The boys readily agreed to this arrangement, and 
went to work quickly with the traps; for the rainy 
season was close at hand, and might come upon us 
without a moment’s warning. 

My great success in so many trades, especially hat- 
making, produced a strong wish to attempt the manu- 
facture of porcelain; I therefore determined to look 
over my store of materials, and then make my first trial. 

Just behind the animals ’ sheds in the cave, the pots 
and kettles and calabash vessels were arranged in 
order. I therefore took some of these as patterns to 
begin with. The store of pipeclay required cleansing 
and washing, the asbestos had to be beaten down into 
talc, and then mixed with water into a soft mass. The 
unbeaten talc I gave to my wife for oil wicks. In one 
of the chests brought from the wreck I found a num- 
ber of glass beads of various colors, with which it 
had been intended to barter among the savage natives 
of the South Sea Islands. These I broke with a ham- 
mer, and crushed to a fine colored powder. 

All my materials being now ready, I found that I 
needed molds for the different vessels. These molds 
I made of gypsum, which also required drying and 
baking before it could be used, so that my work did not 
get on very quickly. 

At last, however, I was able to press the porcelain 
material into the molds, and place them in the oven. 
449 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


When they were partly baked, I sprinkled the powder 
of the glass beads over them, in the shape of stars. 

After many failures, I succeeded at last in producing 
a set of white china cups and saucers, a cream-jug, 
sugar-basin, and six small plates, smooth and glossy, 
and enameled with many colored stars. 

The shapes of my china articles were far from per- 
fect, but they gave great satisfaction, and when Fritz 
filled the plates with rosy and golden fruit, resting on 
green leaves, the table presented a very attractive ap- 
pearance. 

While busy with my china the rainy season com- 
menced, and I could not, therefore, leave home to ob- 
tain a fresh supply of materials for porcelain. I turned 
my attention to the condor and the vulture. The skins, 
which I carefully removed with the feathers, were 
soaked in warm water, into which I had thrown a little 
euphorbia gum to destroy the insects. I then sewed 
them together and stuffed them firmly with cotton- 
wool. Through the legs of the birds pieces of cork 
were thrust, and also in the neck and under the shoul- 
der of each wing, to keep these parts firm. I was at 
first puzzled about the eyes, but at length determined 
to make four balls of porcelain of the necessary size, 
on which, while half baked, I painted the pupil of the 
eye, and the eyes, when fixed in the head, added greatly 
to the natural appearance of these birds of prey, for 
they looked very fierce. 

The condor, with outstretched wings, which were 
supported by cane and strong wire, was fixed at one 
side of our dwelling-room against the partition, and 
the vulture on the highest of the book-shelves in a 
standing position. Both birds were considered by ns 
all as ornaments to our home in the rocks. In all these 
performances the boys took great interest, and worked 
with me diligently in every way to enable me to carry 
out my intentions. 


450 


CHAPTEE XXXIII 

THE YOUNG RAT-CATCHEES — THE CANOE 

C LIMATE as well as other causes often produces a 
languor or disinclination for active exertion, and 
this was the case with us after the first few weeks of 
the rainy season had passed away. 

During that period the porcelain manufacture, the 
bird-stuffing, and other useful employment within, and 
occasional rapid rides on the ostrich during an hour’s 
cessation of rain, as sometimes occurred, had made the 
time pass tolerably quickly. But now, although I tried 
to encourage the boys in their studies and in reading 
interesting books, the time seemed to drag on heavily, 
and restless inactivity was the result. At last Fritz 
roused himself, and said to me, 

‘‘Papa, could we not make a real Greenlander’s 
canoe! We have a swift post-horse for traveling by 
land; why should we not make a boat to cut through 
the water with equal speed! We might extend our 
sea voyages perhaps to other countries, and make so 
many new discoveries.” 

The proposition pleased us all greatly, excepting the 
mother, who always felt anxious when we were on the 
water, and therefore considered that, with the pinnace 
and the boat, we had vessels enough. But when I ex- 
plained to her that a cay ok ^ or Greenlander’s canoe, 
was a very safe boat, covered with the skin of the dog- 
fish, and almost as buoyant as a life-boat, she said no 
more. We had plenty of wood and materials, and 
time enough to finish the skeleton of the boat by the 
end of the rainy season, so the boys were again roused 
451 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to activity, and we set about the boat-building with 
eager interest. 

The long thick pieces of whalebone, from their nat- 
ural curve and elasticity, were very useful in forming 
the two sides of the canoe. These were fastened 
firmly together at each end, forming the stem and 
stern, and fitted into a plank underneath as a keel. Split 
bamboo canes built up the sides over the whalebone 
curves; the keel, which was at least twelve feet long, 
was strengthened by a band of copper running the 
whole length, and in this I fixed an iron ring to moor 
the boat. 

The deck, which was also made of split bamboo 
canes, extended over the whole of the canoe, excepting 
at an opening in the middle, in which the rower could 
sit and use oars or paddles. 

All this occupied us so completely, that the rain 
passed away and the sun shone out bright and clear 
almost before our canoe was ready to be removed out 
of the cave. Fortunately the entrance was wide 
enough to let it pass, although we had to take the door 
off its hinges for that purpose. 

In our anxiety to finish it as quickly as possible, we 
had scarcely noticed the rapid growth of the corn or 
of the creeping plants round the veranda, which really 
surprised me as we pushed the boat out. But this did 
not delay the work. The sides were quickly covered 
with the skin of the dog-fish, and in the fore part a 
mast was fixed with a three-cornered sail. When at 
length the little skiff was launched on the water, it 
bounded like a leather ball, and floated so lightly that 
it scarcely drew an inch of water. 

But before Fritz, whom I considered the rightful 
owner, could be trusted out to sea alone in this fragile 
boat, his mother declared that she would try her in- 
genuity in making him a swimming-dress. I advised 
her to construct it like a double sack, with openings 
452 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


for the head, arms, and feet. The material was to be 
soaked in a solution of India-rubber, the double por- 
tions, or rather the outside and the lining, being closely 
sewed together round the edge, with only a little open- 
ing, through which the space between could be inflated 
with air like a balloon. The material having been 
made air-tight, and the opening firmly stopped up with 
cork, the air would cause the dress to float, and sup- 
port anyone on the water who wore it. 

While this work was in progress, I still had time to 
examine the fields and meadows, and also to set the 
animals at liberty to enjoy the sweet fresh grass and 
their freedom. Again, with delight, I observed the 
rapid vegetation which the heavy rains had produced. 
The corn-field was flourishing, the scattered seeds had 
germinated in the rich soil. The pigeons were exer- 
cising their wings in the free air, and the creeping 
plants had already begun to entwine themselves round 
the bamboo supports of our verandah nearly to the 
top. 

At length one fine morning it was settled that Fritz 
should attire himself in his swimming-dress, which he 
had purposely inflated with air to prove it. When 
he appeared he was welcomed with shouts of laughter. 
The bathing-dress stuck out before and behind in a 
most ridiculous manner, and made him look like a 
hunchback. 

With the greatest gravity he marched forward with- 
out seeming to notice the laughter, entered the water, 
and paddled like a duck across the creek to the shore 
of Shark’s Island, and then, with a shout of triumph, 
turned and swam back to us. 

We all hastened on board the yacht, and rowed 
lustily to meet our brave young water-stepper, and 
congratulate him on his success ; but his naughty broth- 
ers could only dance round him and laugh without 
control. 


453 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


The success of this first attempt caused us all great 
satisfaction, and, in spite of their laughter, the three 
younger boys entreated their mother to make for each 
of them a swimming-dress of the same description. 

While we were on Shark ^s Island we sought for the 
young antelopes, and attracted them to approach us 
by throwing handfuls of bruised maize, acorns, and 
salt, of which all animals are exceedingly fond, hoping 
by this to make them tame and glad to see us. We 
noticed here and there footprints and other signs that 
these little animals had found out the shelter we had 
erected for them, and had evidently made their beds 
of the leaves and rushes. They seemed quite at home, 
so we left them without the least anxiety. 

We strolled across the whole island to seek for ad- 
ditions to our museum, and the boys found many beau- 
tiful shells as well as pieces of delicately-formed coral. 
On the shore also was discovered a large quantity of 
seaweed of various colors. The observant mother 
gathered, with the ready assistance of the boys, a tol- 
erable boat-load, and on our return to Deliverance Bay 
I observed that she separated from it a number of 
peculiar leaves, notched at the edges like a saw, and 
measuring about six or seven inches in length. 

These she carefully washed and spread in the sun to 
dry. They were afterwards more completely freed 
from moisture in the drying oven, and then laid away 
among our other stores. 

I noticed all this care of apparently useless leaves 
with wonder and interest, and at last I said, jestingly, 

*‘Are these leaves to form a valuable substitute for 
the tobacco-smoke which you admired so much on 
board ship?” 

She laughed at the joke, for I knew how greatly she 
disliked tobacco, but she answered me in the same joc- 
ular tone. 

^‘Perhaps if we were to fill our mattresses with them, 

454 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


it would make us sleep cooler in tlie very hot weather.” 

But I knew, by the sly look in her eyes, that she had 
no such intention, and my curiosity became greater 
than ever. This curiosity was very soon pleasantly 
gratified. 

I returned to Eock House one hot day with the boys 
after a fatiguing expedition to Falcon’s Nest, and al- 
most as soon as we had thrown ourselves on the benches 
in the veranda, my wife brought out to us a calabash- 
shell full of the most beautiful transparent jelly I had 
ever seen, and quite as tempting to the appetite as the 
most hungry or thirsty person could wish for. When 
cut with a spoon and a portion laid on plates for us, it 
quivered and sent forth golden sparkles that glittered 
in the light. 

We all tasted it in wondering content, for it was not 
only agreeable, but refreshing and cool, and we all truly 
enjoyed the unexpected treat. 

‘‘Ah, dear husband,” said the mother, laughing, 
“this is an effort of genius by your chief cook. This 
jelly is made from the leaves of the seaweed which 
you treated with such disdain. I am glad you approve 
of it.” 

“Indeed we all do,” I replied. “But how on earth 
did such an idea enter your head*? Where have you 
seen this costly dish?” 

“I met with it at Cape Town,” she replied, “while 
staying with my Dutch friends: I have seen it made 
there often, and these leaves which we found at Shark’s 
Island are exactly similar. They are cleansed by ly- 
ing in water, fresh every day, for a week, and are aft- 
erwards boiled for a few hours with orange- juice, cit- 
ron, and sugar; but not having citron, I used honey 
and cinnamon, and I think my jelly is equally agree- 
able.” 

After this we all thanked the mother for her clever 
confectionery, and the boys declared they would at once 
455 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


go back to Shark’s Island and collect as many of these 
wonderful leaves as they could find. 

I was quite ready to return with them, to inspect 
more carefully the growth of the trees and shrubs we 
had planted there the previous year. All were in good 
condition ; indeed, I was surprised to find how rapidly 
the mangroves and cocoanut-palms had grown. Even 
the small nuts which I had thrown by chance among 
the clefts of the rocks had germinated, and promised 
fair to clothe the nakedness of the frowning rocks with 
their laughing verdure. 

We made also a discovery which gave us great pleas- 
ure. 

In a spot almost inaccessible we came upon a clear 
and plentiful spring of pure running water, which the 
antelopes must have found out, for the traces of their 
footsteps were easily distinguished near it. 

After finding the plants on Shark’s Island in such a 
flourishing condition, we were naturally anxious to 
satisfy our hopes that Whale Island was also progress- 
ing favorably. We therefore reembarked in the 
yacht, and steered towards that territory as quickly 
as possible. A visit to the rabbits was also necessary. 

At a short distance inland from the sTiore we met 
with large quantities of marine plants, which were a 
welcome sight, for I hoped they would be acceptable 
to our new colony of rabbits. But on arriving at the 
island, although we saw nothing of them, their mis- 
chievous performances soon became too evident. The 
dainty animals had gnawed the bark of the young trees, 
as the hares do in winter, and entirely eaten up the 
palm-tree shoots which I had planted. The cocoa- 
nut-stems they had spared, no doubt on account of the 
resinous taste and the toughness. 

To prevent the depredations of these impertinent 
animals in future, I and the boys erected around the 
stems of the young trees hedges of prickly thorns. 
456 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


While thus employed, I noticed that some of the marine 
plants had been partly eaten by the little depredators. 
I tasted one of the leaves, bnt the flavor was most un- 
pleasant, and the smell had something of the odor of 
marsh rushes; yet other leaves of a very similar ap- 
pearance had a taste of sugar, and I believed them to 
belong to a plant called sweet seaweed. 

I collected some, however, to carry with us, that it 
might be washed and more carefully examined at home. 

We left for our little colony a plentiful supply of 
food, and before leaving the island proceeded to 
the spot on which we had discovered the stranded 
whale. 

The skeleton still remained almost perfect. The 
birds had removed all signs of the flesh, and the sun and 
wind had bleached and purified the bones to a delicate 
whiteness. We carried away ten or twelve joints of 
the vertebrae, which I thought might be made useful. 
A strong cord was passed through them, and on step- 
ping into our boat I fastened the end of the string to 
the stern, and towed them across the creek towards 
Eock Castle. 

I had for a long time proposed to make a kind of mill 
for crushing wheat or corn, and it appeared to me that 
the joints of the vertebraB we had brought from the 
skeleton of the whale were large and strong enough 
for that purpose. To make a stamping or crushing 
machine of stone or hard wood was beyond my power. 
Blocks of wood, however, were necessary to raise the 
crushers, and to these the joints of the whale would 
require to be fastened firmly. 

For this purpose I needed the wood of a tree with a 
straight trunk of a certain thickness, and also a fresh 
supply of clay to add to my store of porcelain. The 
boys, as I supposed, were rat-hunting; but on enter- 
ing the house one morning to prepare for an excursion, 
I found Ernest quietly reading his cherished books, 
457 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and not at all interested in the hunting exploits of his 
brothers. 

I would not disturb the hoy, but went out at once to 
harness Storm to the wheeled sledge, for Jack had al- 
most given up the buffalo to ride his fleet courser 
Whirlwind, and, accompanied by Floss and Brownie, I 
took the road to the forest near the Jackal Eiver 
alone. 

After crossing the bridge, I passed the potato and 
cassava-field, and observed, to my great annoyance, 
that it had been overrun and almost laid waste by some 
animals, whose footmarks, which resembled those of 
a pig, appeared in every part. I felt very angry with 
these freebooters, and followed the track by the rocks, 
which led me through a grove as far as our old potato- 
field, but without catching sight of even one of them. 

I began to despair of being able to discover what 
animal it could be that had caused such destruction, 
when the dogs commenced growling and barking furi- 
ously at a little distance. I hastened to the spot, and 
came suddenly face to face with our old sow and a half- 
wild litter of eight little pigs, which appeared about two 
months old. A young boar, one of the former brood, 
now fully grown, was one of the party. 

They grunted and showed their teeth, and altogether 
appeared so wild, that the dogs kept at a respectful 
distance ; but my anger at the destruction of our fields 
overcame me, and, raising my gun, I fired twice among 
them. 

Three of the little pigs fell, and the rest fled, grunt- 
ing and snorting, and disappeared among the bushes. 
I called the dogs, who were rushing after them, and, 
picking up the dead pigs, carried them to the sledge 
and continued my way to the forest. 

I very soon found a tree with a beautiful upright 
stem, of about two feet in thickness, and quite suitable 
for my purpose. This I marked, to distinguish it from 
458 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the rest; and after loading my sledge with clay from 
the loam-pit close by, I turned my steps homeward. 

I reached the house long before the boys returned, 
although I had also missed the dinner-hour. How- 
ever, I asked the mother to roast one of our little pigs 
for supper, if I with the help of Ernest could prepare 
it for cooking in time. 

Late in the evening, just as we were beginning to 
grow anxious. Jack arrived on his fleet steed, the oth- 
ers following in the distance on Lightfoot and Grum- 
bler, the latter laden with the booty in two sacks. 

These sacks were quickly brought in and the con- 
tents produced: four wild birds, twenty ondatras, a 
kangaroo, a monkey, two animals of the hare species, 
and half a dozen beaver rats, which greatly resemble 
the ondatra or musk rat. The creatures like hares ap- 
peared to me to be the animals spoken of by Butfon 
as having black breasts and long tails, and named by 
that naturalist a tolay. 

While examining this assemblage of animals, no one 
noticed the large bundle of thistles carried by Fritz, 
and presently Jack exclaimed, 

‘‘Oh, papa, what a capital fellow my ostrich is ! He 
flew like the wind; and many times I lost my breath, 
and could hardly see where I was going. You must 
make me a mask with glass eyes, that I may be able to 
see when he rushes on at such a frightful pace.’^ 

“No,’^ I replied; “no, my impetuous boy. I must 
do no such thing.’’ 

‘ ‘ Why, papa ? Wliy must you not I ’ ’ 

“In the first place, because it is much more becom- 
ing to petition your elders to comply with your wishes 
than to say it must be done ; and secondly, it is advis- 
able for young people to do as much as they can for 
themselves, and not to be dependent on others for all 
they want.” 

As Jack remained silent, Fritz said, 

459 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


have had good sport to-day, papa, and enjoyed 
ourselves tremendously, and brought home a splendid 
booty: animals, birds, and roots, and a famous supply 
of skins and furs ; still, I should like a glass of muscatel 
wine from the Eock House stores if the price is not 
too high.’^ 

‘‘Well done, Fritz!” I exclaimed; “a glass of wine 
you shall have, for you really deserve it after such a 
successful day. Yet I wish you had not started on 
such an expedition without speaking of it. And you 
should now attend to the animals first, as brave riders 
always do before they take care of themselves. ’ ’ 

Away ran the boys at this hint ; and when the useful 
creatures had all been stalled and fed, the mother in- 
formed the boys of the agreeable dish she was prepar- 
ing for their supper : roast pig, fresh young salad, and 
a basin of jelly. The boys watched her with a mix- 
ture of droll curiosity and satisfaction as she brought 
out one dish after another, and expressed their feelings 
in noisy “bravos” as she at last placed on the table 
a dainty cassava pudding, mixed with sugar, sirup, and 
baked in butter, and near it a flask of mead. The whole 
supply was so tempting, that as we seated ourselves I 
said it was a feast worthy of the gods of Homer in 
company with Olympian Jove. 

During supper Fritz gave us a description of their 
expedition. They had spent nearly the whole day in 
the neighborhood of Wood Grange attracting the on- 
datras to the traps with red carrots, and the beaver 
rats by little fish or earth-worms. They had distin- 
guished the musk rats by the smell, and the animals 
with noses like beaks they had caught in traps. Part 
of the time they spent in fishing, and some of the fish 
they caught were cooked on a firehearth of stones for 
their dinner. 

“And what are all those thistles intended for, 
Fritz?” I asked. 


460 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


found them in my wanderings/^ he replied; ^‘and 
the thorns are formed like hooks, so I thought the 
plant might be useful for carding wool, or separating 
the hairs of the animal fur. ’ ^ * 

This discovery pleased me greatly: not only would 
it be useful for the purpose named by Fritz, but also 
in many other ways. 

He had also brought a small cinnamon-tree to be 
planted in the vegetable garden, and this was welcomed 
by his mother with great satisfaction. 

We decided to defer all preparation of the booty till 
the following morning, and, as usual, after our even- 
ing devotions, we retired to rest, tired out with the 
day’s exertions. 

* No doubt this was the plant called the teazle, used in the manu- 
facture of wool. The hooked scales or thorns of the leaves raise the 
nap on cloth. No machine can be made to produce the same effect so 
readily. 


461 


CHAPTEE XXXIV 

THE CRUSHING MACHINE — PLENTIFUL HARVEST 

T he removal of the skins from the animals killed in 
hunting was always a troublesome undertaking, 
especially to the boys, and I at length thought of a plan 
which appeared likely to render the task easier, if I 
could carry it out. 

I searched, therefore, among our ship stores, and in 
the surgeon’s chest found a large syringe which, with 
a few alterations, would, I imagine, serve my purpose 
admirably. I first perforated the stopper, and placed 
in the piston an opening, in which I fixed two corks as 
pegs, and at once had in my possession a machine for 
compressing air, almost like an air-pump. 

As the boys assembled to assist me in the unpleas- 
ant work of skinning the animals, I marched up to 
them with my surgical instrument under my arm, and 
gave them a military salute ; upon which they shouted 
with laughter, and exclaimed, 

‘ ‘ Papa has a syringe ! What can it be for ? A chem- 
ist ’s shop, or a butcher’s chopping-bench?” 

I passed over the laughter and the remarks, and si- 
lently lifting the kangaroo from the ground, I hung it 
by its hind legs to a tree, and cut a small opening in 
the skin, just below the breast. Into this opening I 
inserted the mouth of the syringe, and filled the cyl- 
inder with air by blowing into it with all my strength. 
I then drew the piston up and down, pumping the air 
between the skin and the flesh of the animal. 

Presently the skin puffed out in every part, altering 
the shape of the animal in the most amusing manner, 
and I quickly found that almost the entire skin was 
462 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


separated from the flesh, only adhering at a few spots 
of not the least importance. These I separated with 
my knife, and removed the whole from the animal, 
the performance of skinning it having occupied less 
than half the usual time. 

^‘Oh, papa, what a capital invention!’^ exclaimed 
yhe boys. 

‘‘Papa must be a conjuror,’’ cried Jack; “but I 
can’t understand how it is done.” 

“Very simply,” I replied: “between the skin and 
the flesh of all animals there exist thousands of little 
bladders or cells, formed of a fatty substance. If 
these cells are filled with air they burst, and the skin, 
having nothing to adhere to, separates from the flesh, 
and is easily removed. This knowledge is not new: 
the Greenlanders have been acquainted with it for 
years. When they have killed a seal or sea-horse, they 
blow between the skin and flesh, which causes the crea- 
ture to swim more lightly as they tow it to shore ; and 
the skin can be removed immediately with the greatest 
ease.” 

By the contrivance with the syringe, the trouble in 
the work of skinning the animals, after this time, was 
greatly lightened, and we finished in two days what 
would otherwise have occupied a week. 

This done, I determined on the following day to visit 
the forest, and cut down, with the help of the boys, the 
tree I had marked as suitable to make blocks for the 
crushing-mill. We started early with a cart-load of 
ropes, saws, axes, and other useful tools. 

On our way, I pointed out to the boys the place where 
I had killed the three little pigs, and the dreadful 
havoc made by the old sow and her family. They 
readily promised to help me in repairing the damage, 
and in surrounding the potato-fields with a hedge of 
thorns. 

Arrived at the tree, I desired Fritz and Jack to climb 

463 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to the top, and saw off the highest and largest 
branches, so that in falling the tree might not crush 
its neighbors. To the upper part of the tree they then 
tied ropes, that we might at a safe distance guide it, 
in its fall, to the most convenient spot. 

Fritz and I commenced cutting the stem at the side 
opposite the cords with a perpendicular saw, used by 
sawyers over a sawpit, one above and the other belov . 
I however showed Fritz how to use it with me horizon- 
tally. It was hard work, and occupied a long time ; but 
when we had nearly cut it through, we all placed ou3> 
selves at the ropes, and by pulling with our unittd 
strength, we heard the trunk crack, saw it totter, and 
at last fall slowly to the ground in an open space, with- 
out accident to ourselves or injury to the other trees. 
The branches and shoots were then lopped off, and part 
of the trunk sawed into blocks four feet long. Smaller 
blocks for other purposes were cut from the larger 
branches, and the' remainder, with the young shoots, 
we left to dry in the sun for firewood. 

This work occupied us two days, and on the third 
day I carried home four large and two small blocks, 
and was at length able with these and the vertebrae 
joints of the whale to complete my crushing machine 
in a very short time. My wife tried it first with some 
grains of rice ; but turning the small iron wheel, which 
made the blocks move up and down something like a 
sledge-hammer, was heavy and tedious work. The 
bones of the whale, however, which were fixed in the 
upper and lower blocks, being so hard and firm, the 
rice was crushed to powder in a few minutes, and ren- 
dered useful for cooking in many ways that were im- 
possible while it remained whole. 

While engaged in this undertaking, I had almost 
forgotten the field in which had been sown wheat, bar- 
ley, and maize before the rainy season. One evening, 
however, we noticed that our domestic fowls returned 
464 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


home with their crops full and apparently satisfied 
after an unusual feast. 

Suddenly it struck me that these turkeys and fowls 
had come from the direction of the wheat-field, and 
upon going to examine the damage done, I was as- 
tonished to find the corn quite high, and the grain fully 
ripe, although little more than four months had elapsed 
since it had been sown. I knew, therefore, that in the 
future we should be able to obtain two crops a year. 

Pleasant as the fact appeared, yet at this moment 
it troubled us, for it would be necessary at once to 
cut and gather in the harvest, while we were in daily 
expectation of the arrival of a shoal of herrings, and 
probably a visit from the dog-fish. 

My wife became very anxious over this accumula- 
tion of work, for the potato and cassava-roots wanted 
digging up, and she feared it would be impossible to 
accomplish so much in a short time. 

^ ‘ I trust it may be managed, dear wife, ’ ’ I said. ‘ ^ In 
the first place, the herrings have not yet arrived, and 
you forget that the potatoes are much more easily 
dug up in this light earth than from heavy stony soil. 
Besides, there will be no necessity to prepare the field 
again, for the little shoots will grow and ripen without 
any further care. As to the corn,’’ I added, ‘‘I have 
decided to reap it and thresh it after the Italian 
method, which is performed in much less time, and even 
if we meet with any other losses, they will be more 
than compensated for by the prospect of such a supply 
of provisions and two crops of corn in a year.” 

I prepared for gathering in the harvest by clearing 
a large space in front of the veranda for a threshing- 
floor. The ground, being composed of sandy soil, had 
become hardened by the heat of the sun, and appeared 
most suitable for the purpose. By frequently pour- 
ing water upon the surface, which the sun dried up 
quickly, and beating it with sticks and spades, and 
465 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


even our oars, and tlien leading the animals across to 
tread it down, the earth became as hard and smooth 
as a threshing-floor. This completed, we repaired 
early one morning to the corn-field with our sickles, 
followed by Storm and Grumbler, cariying large bas- 
kets or panniers on their backs to receive the grain. 

The boys were rather surprised when I explained to 
them the Italian method of reaping, which I wished 
them to adopt, as it occupied less time. I told them 
to take as many ears as they could hold in the left hand, 
cut them from the straw as far down as could be 
reached with the right hand, and throw them into the 
baskets carried by the ahimals, who followed the reap- 
ers closely, led by Jack or Ernest. 

In a few moments they caught the idea, and went 
rapidly to the work, following in my lead. I believe 
we all, especially Fritz and myself, who were the tall- 
est of the party, felt the comfort of not having to stoop 
at our work. Our baskets were re-filled and emptied 
many times during the day, and by evening the field 
was reaped, and we had gathered a large store of corn 
in the ear. 

My wife, however, seemed to consider that it was 
anything but economy to leave behind all the short 
ears of corn, which could not be reached by the sickle, 
as well as the straw, which would be so useful for the 
stables and stalls. 

‘Mt is made economical by the Italians, who are fa- 
mous farmers,’’ I replied; ‘^for by cutting the com in 
this way they also obtain food for their cattle. In a 
few weeks grass grows to a good height amongst the 
stubble, and then they mow it down all together close 
to the ground. The short ears of corn remain among 
the blades of grass, and the whole is turned over in the 
sun as we make hay, and during winter forms a very 
useful substitute for grass and corn in the Italian sta- 
bles. We must, however, adopt the ancient method of 
466 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


treading out tlie corn and threshing it, for we have 
no other means of separating it from the husk.’^ 

Threshing was commenced next morning by spread- 
ing the bundles of corn on the new threshing-floor, and 
the four boys, each mounted on his usual steed, rode 
the animals across it in every direction, and while the 
heavy stamping of the hoofs separated the grain from 
the husks, the dust and chaff flew in clouds around us. 

Now and then the boys allowed the animals to pause 
and rest, and the temptation to take a mouthful of 
the corn that lay at their feet was too strong to be re- 
sisted. My wife smiled as she observed this, and said, 

‘ ^ They deserve a handful now and then for their ex- 
ertions, but it will lessen our store, dear husband.’’ 

‘^Our threshing is nearly completed,” I replied, 
‘‘and they have not eaten much; besides, it is said in 
Scripture, ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that tread- 
eth out the corn.’ ” 

While we were gathering up the corn and sifting it, 
our feathered folk — cackling, gobbling, and quacking 
— came to the threshing-floor to have their share. The 
boys were about to drive them away, for they picked 
" at the loose grain in the most hasty manner, but I pre- 
vented them, saying, 

“Let our pensioners have their share of the super- 
fluity. What we lose in grain will he returned to us in 
the improved condition of our poultry when we re- 
quire them for our table.” 

After all we had no cause to complain, for when I 
had measured the produce of our harvest, I found that 
we had nearly a hundred bushels of corn, including 
wheat, maize, and barley, to add to our store. 

It was necessary, however, if we wished to have a 
second harvest this year, to prepare the field, and 
again sow the seed as quickly as possible. The stub- 
ble was, therefore, mowed down, and, with the maize- 
stems, stowed away for firewood. While employed in 
467 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


separating the short stalks containing ears of corn, 
from the straw, we were surprised by the arrival with 
rushing wings of a number of quails and a large flock 
of partridges into the field. It was impossible to se- 
cure more than one quail, which was knocked on the 
wing by Fritz, for at every corner stood sentinel quails 
to give the alarm. I determined, however, that at our 
next corn harvest a harvest of quails should follow. 
The stubble and maize-leaves were stowed away as 
food for our cattle, with some of the straw. The best 
we kept for stuffing paillasses. Some of the burnt 
stems deposited ashes, which I discovered contained 
soda or kali, and therefore could be made very useful. 

I decided also to make a change in the corn-field for 
the next harvest, and sow this time rye and oats. This 
plan is said by farmers to improve the soil and render 
it more productive. 

We had scarcely finished all this work when the shoal 
of herrings arrived; but we only stored two barrels 
this time, after they were salted and smoked. I was 
more anxious for the arrival of the dog-fish, as I re- 
quired skins to finish more completely the canoe. I 
wished also to make the deck water-tight, and to form 
a kind of reservoir for water beneath it, in the stern 
of the boat, as well as a place to carry arms and pro- 
visions near the prow. 

When this was completed, I prepared two harpoons, 
to be supported on the water by bladders filled with 
air, and fastened to the boat with straps. 

Fritz now equipped himself for his first canoe voy- 
age in his swimming-dress, and before springing on 
board, he inflated it till he looked like a gigantic frog ; 
then he stepped into the opening in the deck of the 
canoe left for the paddler, took up his paddle, and pre- 
pared to start. 

His brothers greeted his comical appearance, as 
before, with shouts of laughter, and even his mother 
468 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


could not help joining them, although she felt anxious 
for the boy’s safety. 

^ To please and comfort her I prepared the yacht, that 
his mother might follow him with me and the boys. I 
wished also to be at hand to render him assistance in 
case of danger. But the canoe was tossing on the 
waves long before we could embark, amidst the loud 
hurrahs of the paddler. To show us his power over 
the management of the canoe, he began to perform all 
sorts of tricks, to his mother’s great alarm. First he 
paddled on ahead for a considerable distance ; he then 
caused the canoe to rock fearfully ; and at last, to show 
that it was too buoyant to sink under water, completely 
capsized it. 

As it righted itself, the shouts of delight uttered by 
his brothers so elated Fritz, that he at once paddled 
his canoe towards the entrance of the Jackal Eiver, 
with such swiftness, that the current carried him out 
to sea before he was aware of it. 

This daring act alarmed me, and leaving the mother 
and little Frank on the shore, I stepped into the boat 
with Jack and Ernest, and started in pursuit of the 
thoughtless voyager. We made our way towards the 
reef of rocks on which the ship had been wrecked, as 
I felt sure that was the direction Fritz had taken. 

For a long time the yacht sailed steadily on, but no 
signs of the canoe could be discovered, even through a 
telescope. At last I saw in the distance a thin wreath 
of smoke curling in the air, followed in a few moments 
by the feeble report of a pistol. 

It was a great relief to me to hear this sound, which 
I knew must be a signal from Fritz, and after firing 
an answering signal, I steered hastily and gladly to- 
wards the spot from which the sound came, for I knew 
we could reach it in ten minutes. 

In less than that time we caught sight of our sailor, 
and presently joined him, amidst loud acclamations 
469 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and shouts of welcome. But our astonishment was 
great at observing a large yet not full-grown walrus 
lying dead on a fragment of rock, which our young 
hero of the sea had killed with a harpoon, — too large 
for him to carry home on his canoe, but not for our 
boat. Before questioning him about this animal, 
however, I gave our young Greenlander a gentle re- 
proof for going so far out to sea, and causing his 
mother and myself great anxiety. 

He excused himself by referring to the strong cur- 
rent in the Jackal Eiver or creek, which he had been 
unable to withstand. ‘^And then,’^ continued the boy, 
came upon this walrus, which appeared such a won- 
derful booty, that I could not bear to leave it behind. 
He was swimming towards the canoe, papa, and as I 
wounded him with one of the harpoons, he rushed to 
that crevice in the rocks, carrying the harpoon in his 
back, and dragging the canoe with him; so that I was 
obliged to make an end of him at once with the other 
harpoon. At last I fired two shots at the animal, that 
he might not serve me and my canoe as the serpent 
served poor Jack.’’ 

“Yours was a daring experiment, Fritz,” I said; “for 
although the walrus is in general a timid animal, it 
often becomes furious when wounded, and will turn 
upon its enemies, and attack and tear with its long sharp 
fangs the vessel in which they are sailing, however 
strong it may be, and sometimes render it a complete 
wreck. What then would have been the consequence 
to a poor little seal-skin-covered canoe like yours? I 
thank God that you are safe, my son, which is better 
than if you had brought home a hundred walruses; 
and even now I scarcely know what we are to do with 
this captive. It must be at least fourteen feet long, 
although by the shortness of its fangs I believe it is 
not full grown.” 

“Oh, papal” cried Fritz, “if it is too heavy to be 

470 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


carried home in yonr boat, I should at least like to 
keep the head with those two white teeth ; I would stick 
it on the fore part of my canoe, which could then be 
named the ‘Walrus.’ ” 

“I should be very unwilling to leave those beautiful 
teeth behind,” I replied. “But what we do must be 
done quickly, for the air feels heavy, and foretells 
stormy weather.” 

“Don’t have the head cut in pieces, papa,” cried 
Jack, “it would look beautiful on the canoe.” 

“Ah!” said Ernest, “and in a little while it would 
decay, and not produce a very pleasant odor for the 
Greenlander in his canoe.” 

“No,” said Fritz; “it must be taken home first, and 
cleaned, purified, and dried, till it becomes as hard as 
wood, like one I have seen at the, museum at home in 
our native town. ’ ’ 

“Papa,” asked Ernest, “are not these animals na- 
tives of Northern regions?” 

“As a rule they are,” I replied; “but this walrus 
may possibly belong to the South Polar Seas, which 
are equally cold ; and there is a smaller species at the 
Cape, called dugong.” 

While thus talking, we had dragged the head of the 
animal from the rock to our boat ; and when Fritz had 
removed the harpoons, 1 with some difficulty cut off 
the head. Fritz Remarked that it would be useful to 
have a hatchet and a lance as well as a mariner ’s com- 
pass on board, in case the rower should be driven out 
to sea in a storm, to enable him to direct his course. 
I quite agreed with him, and promised that these arti- 
cles should be placed on board on the following day. 

After finishing my business with the walrus, and 
bringing the head safely on board the yacht, I wished 
Fritz to join us and take the canoe in tow; but he 
begged me to allow him to go back alone, and relate 
his career on the water to the mother himself. With- 
471 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


out delay lie stood oat to sea, while we, who were al- 
ready beginning to feel tired, followed him, but more 
slowly. 

The dark clouds, which had for some time been 
gathering in a threatening aspect, burst upon us sud- 
denly in a frightful storm of wind and rain. Fritz 
was already so far in advance of us, that we could not 
see a trace of the boat, especially through the blinding 
rain, and to make him hear amid the roar of the storm 
would have been impossible. We fastened on hastily 
the cork swimming-belts, and lashed ourselves to the 
boat by leather straps, to prevent being washed over- 
board by the waves. 

I found at last that I had no power over the boat, 
and, in alternate hope and fear, commended myself 
and my children to God. I concealed my alarm, how- 
ever, and tried to encourage hope and trust in my two 
boys, who, I had no doubt, felt safer than I did in the 
midst of all, because they had me for a protector. 

Meanwhile the storm raged in all its fury. The 
waves rose to the height of mountains, and seemed to 
mingle with the dark clouds which descended to meet 
them. Lightning flashed across the darkness, throw- 
ing its lurid glare on the crests of the foaming waves. 
One after another, gusts of wind threatened to capsize 
us, while the foaming waves dashed over the deck of 
our little skiif, and the rain fell in torrents. 

At one moment we were riding at the top of an 
enormous wave, and the next descending into the 
trough of the sea, as into a deep gulf. But our boat 
held on her way splendidly, the skins filled with air on 
each side prevented her from sinking in the deep wa- 
ter, and even amidst the foaming waves I could from 
time to time turn her course in the right direction by 
one move of the rudder. 

In all this danger, and with strong hopes of safety 
if our boat could hold out till the storm ceased, my 
472 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


greatest anxiety arose from my ignorance of the fate 
of Fritz. Indeed, I gave him np for lost, and could 
only offer a silent prayer to God that He would enable 
me to submit in a Christ-like spirit to His holy will if 
my son were taken from me. 

In these climates the storms cease almost as sud- 
denly as they begin, and although the waves still rolled 
and dashed furiously over us, yet when the rain ceased 
and the air cleared, I found, to my great joy, that we 
had been driven by the wind towards the entrance to 
Deliverance Bay, and were approaching the well-known 
creek between the rocks and Whale Island. 

With a feeling of safety, my heart rose in thankful- 
ness to God for His protecting care of myself and the 
boys, and when we at last entered the bay, another 
cause of thankfulness arose. We saw in the distance 
the mother, with little Frank and Fritz, kneeling on the 
strand, no doubt offering thanks to God for saving 
Fritz, and praying that we might be delivered from 
danger. 

Great and overwhelming was our joy as we met, and 
while clasped in each other ^s arms, knew we were 
saved. After we had all knelt and mutually offered 
our thanks to our merciful Father in heaven for this 
happy deliverance, we hastened to Eock Castle to 
change our wet clothes for dry ones, and over some 
warm, well-spiced soup, to think and talk of the dan- 
gers we had passed through. 

After refreshing ourselves in this manner, the yacht 
was drawn on shore, and, together with the cargo, con- 
sisting of the head of the walrus, was dragged to the 
Eock House on rollers by one of the animals. 

Fritz and Ernest also fetched the canoe, and both 
were placed side by side in one of those recesses in our 
cave which we were constantly discovering, and mak- 
ing useful by cutting entrances, to enable us to place 
in them all the stores which required shelter. The ac- 
473 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


commodations at Eock Castle were large enough to 
admit even the pinnace, had we not built a dock for it 
near Flamingo Marsh. The head of the walrus was 
carried to the workshop, and, after being washed, 
cleaned, and dried, was placed on Fritz ’s canoe, where 
it presented a most imposing appearance. 

The heavy rain which had fallen at such an unusual 
season had so swollen the two streams which descended 
from the rocks, that in several places, especially near 
Falcon’s Nest, the water had overflowed its banks, 
causing damage which required our constant exertions 
to repair. The Jackal Eiver or creek even, which was 
very deep, rose so high above its banks, that our bridge 
was in danger, and the fountain at Falcon’s Nest was 
almost destroyed. 

One day while passing the spot from which the wa- 
ter of the Jackal Eiver fell in a cascade, we found on 
the ground clusters of berries, some of a bright red 
and others of a dark brown, not larger than a com- 
mon hazel-nut, and crowned with a bunch of little 
leaves. 

Their appearance was so tempting that the boys 
eagerly gathered them up and tasted them. The con- 
sequences were not pleasant. A sharp burning sen- 
sation in the mouth made them reject the berries with 
disgust, and spit and splutter to get rid of the taste, 
which they owned was a punishment for their greedi- 
ness. 

I observed that Master Nip appeared to have no 
desire to taste these berries, and I should have con- 
sidered that they were poisonous, had I not recognized 
in the shape and odor of the fruit a resemblance to 
cloves. I was so pleased at this discovery, that I told 
the boys to gather a quantity and carry them to the 
mother, who welcomed the addition to her stores with 
great satisfaction, and determined to obtain a young 
plant for her nursery-grounds, and employ the cloves 
474 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in cooking as a substitute for pepper, till our pepper- 
plants bore fruit. 

The passage of salmon and sturgeon near our shores, 
in consequence of the heavy rain, which caused the 
rivers to overflow and carry them farther inland, af- 
forded us a large supply of fish. I had read also that 
the Hungarians and the natives of other countries 
near the Danube scatter the washing of their flour- 
mills over fields upon which the water has flowed, to 
attract fish, which not only deposit their spawn, but 
are more easily taken in shallow water. I therefore 
adopted this plan, and my store of salmon and stur- 
geon, with the roe and isinglass obtained from the lat- 
ter, was, in consequence, most abundant. 

Our days during this period had, for some time, 
passed very peacefully, till one moonlight night I was 
awoke by the fierce barking of the watch-dogs, min- 
gled with a confused sound of growling, squeaking, and 
trampling feet. I pictured to myself immediately an 
assembly of jackals, buffaloes, bears, and boars, amus- 
ing themselves or fighting with our dogs. 

I sprang out of bed, hastily threw on a few gar- 
ments, and, seizing the nearest gun, rushed to the en- 
trance-door, the upper half of which was always open 
at night to admit the cool air, and looked out in every 
direction. 

Presently I saw the head of Fritz out of the window 
of his sleeping-room. 

‘Hs that you, papaP^ he said, ‘^What on earth is 
the matter V’ 

^‘Nothing very alarming,’^ I replied. believe 
those dreadful pigs are up to some mischief again, and 
that the dogs are after them. Let us go out and pre- 
vent death and slaughter if we can.’’ 

Without a word Fritz scrambled through the win- 
dow, half dressed, and we hastened together towards 
the scene of the tumult. It was as I expected. The 
475 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


pigs had managed to cross the bridge, and two of the 
dogs had seized the young boar by the ears, while the 
others were hunting the old sow and the little ones. 
I was sorry to be obliged to beat our two watchful 
companions, but they would not set the boar free with- 
out it, and, to my surprise, when pursued, the whole 
herd fled towards the bridge. 

My boys had not, as I at first supposed, neglected to 
remove the planks, which had been done every night 
since the appearance of the boar on the potato-field, 
but the pigs had crossed it by their own cunning. The 
beams still remained, and the creatures must have fol- 
lowed each other in single file with the utmost caution, 
for these beams had spaces between them quite wide 
enough for a young pig to slip through. 

I determined, therefore, to rise early with Fritz on 
the next day, and begin the construction of a draw- 
bridge, which could be drawn up every evening, and 
prevent us for the future from being aroused by such 
uninvited guests. 


476 


CHAPTEE XXXV 

THE DRAWBRIDGE THE HYENA 

A t breakfast next morning we related our night 
adventures to the boys and their mother, and to 
the latter the proposal to erect a drawbridge was most 
acceptable, the younger boys being equally pleased at 
the prospect of helping in such a new and useful un- 
dertaking. 

We commenced by fixing in the ground, on the Kock 
House side of the river, two strong posts, the width 
of the bridge apart, and across these, close to the 
ground, I nailed two planks, one above the other, to 
strengthen them, and a third at the top for the same 
purpose. We then nailed the planks close together 
across the beams, forming a much safer footpath over 
the bridge than the loose planks had been. 

At the opposite end we nailed a stronger board, to 
hold the rings and bear the strain when the bridge was 
raised. We also lengthened it, that a sufficient portion 
for safety should rest on the shore. 

At the end nearest our home four strong iron hinges 
were placed, which connected it with the planks across 
the two posts ; and by these hinges we hoped to raise 
it easily every evening. For this purpose strong ca- 
bles were passed through holes in the highest part of 
the posts, and fastened in the rings at the opposite 
side : strong iron staples were also fixed in the ground 
behind the posts, to which the cable could be fastened 
when the bridge was drawn up, to keep it firmly in its 
place, iron hooks being fastened to the cable for this 
purpose. 

Our drawbridge occupied nearly a fortnight in build- 

477 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing; and althougli tlie workmanship was rough and 
clumsy, yet we were delighted with the performance. 

Added to this was a feeling of safety at night from 
the attacks of wild animals, which appeared to be more 
numerous in the distant parts of the island, from which 
we were now separated by the chain of rocks and the 
Jackal Eiver, and protected by the cannon on the 
shores of Deliverance Bay. 

The boys were delighted to climb the tall posts of 
the new bridge, and look over the country on the op- 
posite side. In the distance they could distinguish the 
gazelles and antelopes which they had driven to Wood 
Grange from the Green Valley. Sometimes these lit- 
tle creatures would approach the outskirts of the wood, 
but, on seeing that they were watched, they would start 
back with a rush, fly like the wind, and vanish from our 
eyes. 

‘‘What a pity it is that these elegant creatures can- 
not be tamed,’’ said Fritz one day, “and learn to as- 
sociate with us, like our domestic animals ! ’ ’ 

“If we had a bulfalo-lick,” said Ernest, “as they 
have in Georgia, the antelopes would soon be here.” 

“What ever is a buffalo-lickl” asked Fritz. 

“It is a spot formed by nature, Fritz,” I said. “We 
could not therefore have such a place here, although 
there are places similar in our native land, and called 
salt-licks, because the chamois hunter mixes saltpeter 
with the soil to attract his prey to a certain spot. But 
in America the place with such a singular name is re- 
markable for its soil, which, formed by nature, covers 
several acres, and consists of more than half salt. All 
animals, whether wild or tame, are fond of salt.” 

“Papa,” cried Fritz, “could we not lay out such a 
place?” 

“I have no objection,” I replied, “if you can obtain 
a store of soil sufficiently moist: we have salt enough 
in our salt cave to mix with it.” 

478 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


^ ‘ Oh ! ^ ’ they all exclaimed, ‘ ^ that will be delightful ! 
We shall be able to attract so many animals, and per- 
haps tame them. What must we do first!’’ 

“Well, I suppose I must agree to accompany you on 
another excursion, for we shall require a large store 
of porcelain earth, and several bamboo canes for an- 
other purpose; so the earlier we are ready to start 
to-morrow the better.” 

Away ran the boys, full of glee at the prospect of 
another journey : Ernest to find a suitable spot for the 
salt-lick. Jack with a secret design about the pigeons, 
while Frank declared he would get the old sledge 
ready, and at once drew it from its place in the cave. 

By this time the mother knew that another excur- 
sion was in preparation ; but her greatest surprise was 
occasioned by the request of Fritz, that she would pro- 
vide them with pemmican for the journey. 

“Pemmican!” she exclaimed, “what on earth is 
that, and for what can you use it ! ” 

“For our provisions, mamma,” he replied. “The 
Canadian fur dealers in Canada take it with them on 
their long journeys, and it is considered very whole- 
some.” 

“But how is it made, my son!” she replied, “or 
where can you procure the materials!” 

“Oh, mamma,” he said, laughing, “you have the 
materials, but I do not like to give you so much trou- 
ble. Pemmican can be made of bear’s flesh, mixed 
with any other meat, and flour and eggs; and after 
being chopped very small, it is fried. I can make it 
myself if you will give me the slices of meat. ’ ’ 

But the mother, when she understood what was re- 
quired, readily offered to help him, and before even- 
ing a large store of pemmican, enough to last two days, 
was in readiness, and placed in a bag with other pro- 
visions. Such preparations for this journey were 
made by the boys, — sacks, pannier-baskets, strings and 
479 * 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


lassoes, bird-snares, and no end of gnns, tools, and im- 
plements, were placed in readiness by our young free- 
booters. 

At last tbe longed-for morning dawned, breakfast 
was dispatched hastily, and on the^ wheeled sledge was 
placed Fritz ^s canoe, the traveling-tent, provisions 
both for food and warfare, and a number of other 
things. 

While they were loading the cart, I remarked un- 
seen that Jack was carefully yet secretly placing two 
pairs of our European pigeons in one of the baskets. 
They were large dark handsome birds, with a red cir- 
cle round the eyes, which, if I do not mistake, Buffon 
has named the ‘‘sultan pigeon.’^ 

“Now,’’ I thought to myself, “the youngster has 
provided a substitute for his dinner, in case our store 
of pemmican should not be to his taste. The old 
pigeons, however, will not be a very tidbit, with their 
tough flesh.” 

The mother, who needed rest, wished for this time 
to remain behind, and Ernest, who had been for a long 
time whispering and tittering mysteriously with Fritz 
and Jack, on hearing his mother’s remark, also ex- 
pressed his wish to remain at home with her. To set- 
tle the dispute which arose, I at once decided to remain 
at home, and, with the help of Ernest, prepare a sugar- 
press which I had long promised to my wife. 

It was settled, therefore, that the eldest and the two 
younger boys should go alone, and they at once set otf 
in great glee, — Fritz and Frank on Storm and Grum- 
bler, who drew the sledge, and Jack on the ostrich, 
followed by the dogs. Fawn and Brownie, barking at 
his heels. 

I watched them till they had all passed safely over 
the new bridge and were out of sight. 

The making of my sugar-mill occupied all my spare 
time, although Ernest and his mother both assisted. 
480 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


But I need not describe my attempts, as they differed 
very little from what I had used in making former 
mills, but relate the results of the boys’ excursion, 
which are much more amusing. 

The evening of the first day had arrived, and I was 
seated in the verandah with my wife, who was engaged 
in sewing, and Ernest, to enjoy the rest and the cool 
evening air. Our conversation turned upon our young 
excursionists, and we wondered what adventures they 
would have to relate. I could see, however, that the 
mother looked anxious, and when we at length retired 
to rest, she expressed her wish that the three boys 
were safe at home. 

‘‘Oh, mamma, they are all right,” said Ernest, and 
as he spoke I noticed a twinkle in his eyes, that made 
me feel convinced there was some secret arrangement 
with his brothers, known only to himself. 

I heard Ernest moving about next morning at an 
unusually early hour, but he did not make his appear- 
ance till breakfast-time, when he entered with a grave 
step, hat in hand, and bowing low, yet with a pretended 
air of dignity: he presented me with a letter, and 
said, 

“The postmaster of the Eock district presents his 
humble respects to the nobly-born ladies and gentle- 
men of this house, and hopes he shall be pardoned for 
not being able to forward the dispatches from Sydney 
Cove and Jackson’s Bay before this morning, owing 
to the post having arrived too late last night.” 

As I took the paper he bowed again, and stood wait- 
ing for me to read it. 

I was for a moment rather bewildered by this strange 
address, and the paper placed in my hands. I ob- 
served also that my wife looked pale, so I asked, 

“What does this mean, my boy?” 

“Papa,” exclaimed Ernest, “it’s all right, only fun: 
you read it, and then you will understand the joke, and 
481 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I’ll have my breakfast meanwhile, mamma, please.” 

I began to have some idea now of the secret which 
the boys had so cleverly carried ont; but I concealed 
my suspicions, and opening the packet, read aloud as 
follows ; 

“The Govebnor-Genebal of New South Wales to His Excellency 

THE Governor of Rock Castle, Falcon’s Nest, Wood Grange, 

Sugarcane Grove, and Prospect Hill, greeting. 

“Most noble, well-beloved, and trusted Ally, — We have heard with 
some displeasure a report that on this day three disreputable 
young men have set out from your colony with the intention of 
proceeding here, and living by poaching, hunting, and other dis- 
honorable practices, which are sure to be injurious to the game in 
this province, and cause great damage. 

“Information has also been received, from which it appears that you 
have the terribly destructive and fearful hyena in the woods of 
your colony, and that one of these wild animals has broken into a 
sheepfold at a place called Wood Grange. 

“In consequence of these reports, we pray your Excellency to give up 
these dreadful young men to justice, and use every means to de- 
stroy the wild animals which still exist in your colony. 

“Accept, most noble Ally, my best wishes. 

“Given at Sidney Cove, in Jackson’s Bay, the twelfth day of the cur- 
rent month, and the thirty-fourth year of the colony. 

“(Signed) “The Governor, Philip Philipson.” 

As I ceased reading Ernest burst into a loud fit of 
laughter, and at last rushing from the table, began 
dancing about so wildly that a little letter fell from his 
pocket. I was about to pick it up, but he was too quick 
for me ; and, holding it firmly, he exclaimed, 

‘‘This is a private letter to me, papa, from Wood 
Grange, but more likely, however, to be true than the 
dispatch from good Sir Philip, who appears too ready 
to<believe all he hears.” 

“You are really puzzling me, Ernest,” I said, 
gravely. “Did Fritz leave this letter with you, to be 
given to me after he left, or has he indeed discovered 
the traces of a hyena 

“No and yes, papa,” said Ernest. “A carrier pig- 
eon brought me the letter you read last evening, 
but he arrived at the pigeon-house too late for me to 

482 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


get at it. Another pigeon brought this letter, tied un- 
der his wing, early this morning. I will read it to you 
word for word. 


“ ‘Wood Grange, the 15th of the present month. 

“ ‘Dearest Parents and Brother , — A frightful hyena has killed two 
lambs and a ram at Wood Grange. Our dogs caught it, and little 
Frank shot at it so cleverly, that it fell dead immediately. It has 
taken us the whole day to remove the skin. The pemmican stuff is 
good for nothing. 

“ ‘Love to all from your Son and Brother “ ‘Feitz.^ 

‘^Ha, ha!’’ laughed I; “that is a regular hunter’s 
letter. God be praised that the affair with the hyena 
ended so favorably as appears. He must have newly 
arrived by the river at Wood Grange. Had he been 
long there, he would have made fine havoc with our 
sheep and goats.” 

“I hope the boys will be careful,” said the mother. 
‘ ‘ I only wish we could call them home, or fetch them 
quickly. ’ ’ 

“It will be better to wait, dear mother,” said Ernest. 
“No doubt there will be another letter by this even- 
ing’s post,” he added, with a smile. 

That evening, at an earlier hour, we saw a carrier 
pigeon arrive at the pigeon-house. Ernest climbed up, 
and found, tied loosely under its wing, the following 
letter. It was certainly quite laconic. 

“A peaceful night — this morning very hot — cruise on the Wood 
Grange lake — captured a black swan, a royal heron, cranes — unknown 
animal escaped — Prospect Hill to-morrow. Best love to all. 

“Fbitz, 
“Jack, ■■ 
“Fbank.” 

This concise letter eased the mother’s mind not a 
little, as it led us to conclude that no second hyena 
could be in the neighborhood. The dispatch, however, 
still remained unexplained; and we felt it was neces- 
sary to wait, and hear from the boys a full account of 
their movements on their return home. 

483 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Shortly after dinner on the fourth day of their ab- 
sence another carrier pigeon arrived with the follow- 
ing letter: 

“The defile by the river is forced. As far as Sugarcane Grove all is 
laid waste. The smoking hut has disappeared. The sugar-canes are 
torn up and broken. Numbers of enormous footsteps of huge beasts 
appear everywhere on the ground. Hasten, dear father, to our help. 
We can neither go forward nor retreat; and although we are safe now, 
we know not what danger is at hand.” 

On the receipt of this letter I did not lose a moment. 
Without delay I saddled the onager, and, telling my 
wife to follow me with Ernest next morning, I sprang 
upon my fleet courser, and galloped off at a quick 
pace. 

I accomplished in three hours a journey that usu- 
ally took six, and my appearance was received by the 
boys with shouts of joy. Without delay I proceeded 
at once to see with my own eyes the terrible destruc- 
tion, and knew immediately that the large footprints 
in the earth were those of elephants, and sad was the 
devastation and ruin they had left behind them. 

The thick posts which I had erected to close the nar- 
row pass by the river lay broken on the earth like 
reeds; and a grove of trees, which we had planted to 
form in time a pleasant summer-house, was destroyed, 
both roots and branches. In the bamboo thicket the 
young and tender plants were all eaten or torn up ; in- 
deed, it appeared as if the elephant troop had been 
accompanied by other animals, for I found several 
smaller and fuller footprints in the soil, which seemed 
to belong to the hippopotamus. 

We gathered a large quantity of wood to keep fires 
burning all night round the tent, as a protection against 
the attacks of these animals in the night, Fritz and I, 
with our guns in readiness, keeping watch during the 
whole period of darkness. 

About noon on the following day Ernest and his 

484 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


motlier arrived, with the cow harnessed to the cart, 
well loaded with provisions for a long stay; which ap- 
peared necessary, for it was evident we should have 
to erect a dwelling in the neighborhood as soon as we 
had repaired the barricade at the entrance of the de- 
file. 

This done, I readily agreed to the earnest wish of 
Fritz that we should build a summer-house something 
after the plan adopted by the natives of Kamschatka. 

In place of four posts I substituted the stems of 
four beautiful trees, standing, in the form of a quad- 
rangle, at a distance from each other of about twelve 
feet. 

At the height of twenty feet from the ground these 
four trunks were united by four strong split bamboo 
canes, on which we laid boards for a flooring. From 
this floor we raised thinner bamboo canes for walls, 
and to divide the space into apartments. The inner 
branches of the trees were partly cut away and partly 
entwined round the canes, which closed the openings 
between them ; the outer branches I allowed to remain 
as additional security. 

To form a roof we trained the upper branches and 
fastened them to the tops of the thin bamboo canes; 
over these was laid bark to keep out the rain. The 
staircase was merely a plank with places cut out for 
steps, and a hanging rope to assist in climbing it, 
something like a ladder on a ship^s side. 

The space below the rooms was divided into stalls 
for the cattle and a fowl-house. In front of them we 
lengthened the flooring to form a balcony, similar to 
that at Falcon’s Nest, and upon this the entrance-door 
to the rooms opened. This balcony we could use as 
an observatory, for it commanded an immense pros- 
pect. The walls of the stables and fowl-house were 
constructed of cocoanut-palm wood, cut in strips and 
nailed obliquely across from one tree-stem to the other, 
485 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


leaving space for an entrance, and forming a lattice- 
work, which had a very pleasing effect. 

This work scarcely gave us breathing-time during 
the day for a whole month, but the boys made several 
excursions to Falcon’s Nest and Eock House to look 
after our domestic fowls and pigeons, and to bring 
hack a report of the plantations and vegetable gardens. 
We found time also on a few evenings to listen to the 
story of their adventures during their four days’ ab- 
sence on that memorable excursion, which must be re- 
lated in another chapter. 


486 


CHAPTER XXXVI 

FRITZ RELATES THE ADVENTURES OF THEIR EXCURSION 

T he evening chosen for this narrative was calm 
and peaceful, and we had progressed so rapidly 
with our summer-house, that we were able to seat 
ourselves on the new floor and listen at our ease. 

watched you cross the bridge in safety,’’ I said, 
‘‘and yet I felt uneasy at the prospect of your ab- 
sence.” 

“Yes, papa,” said Fritz, “perhaps you did, but not 
after you received the dispatches by our postman.” 

“Certainly that relieved l)oth your mother and my- 
self from anxiety, for the day at least on which we re- 
ceived them ; and, indeed, I am thankful you had such 
a means of communication, especially when you wished 
to send for me. But how came you to discover these 
carrier pigeons'? I was not aware that we had any 
of the species.” 

“Ernest found them out,” said Fritz: “they are de- 
scribed in his Natural History as large, dark birds, 
with purple throats, and a red circle round the eyes.” 

“Ah, yes!” I replied, laughing; “I saw you take 
those four pigeons, and was amused at the idea, for I 
knew they would be tough eating ; yet by the whisper- 
ing and mysterious consultations going on, I supposed 
there was some surprise in store for us.” 

“And so there was, papa, and a very useful mystery 
too,” said Fritz; “but now let me tell you of our first 
adventure with the hyena. 

“Nothing occurred till we approached the farm, and 
then we heard, to our surprise, loud bursts of human 
487 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


laughter among the hushes, which appeared to alarm 
the animals terribly. The dogs, who were in advance, 
ran back to us snarling and growling, while the ostrich 
at once bolted with his rider, and ran wildly into the 
marshy rice-field. 

‘‘ ‘There is something wrong, Frank,’ I said: ‘you 
must be ready to fire, for it is as much as I can do to 
hold in these animals. Keep close to me, and let us 
discover what this unusual disturbance means.’ 

“Frank raised his gun, with his finger on the trig- 
ger, and while I held in the butfalo and the ox firmly, the 
brave little fellow approached the bushes and peeped 
in. There stood a hyena with his paw on a ram he 
had just killed, at about forty paces distance, and 
laughing hideously. At this moment the dogs rushed 
past Frank, and, barking and yelling, flew towards the 
horrid beast; but before they could reach him Frank 
had fired; the ball, passing through his fore leg, en- 
tered his chest, and the monster fell to the earth. 

“I heard the shot,” continued Fritz, “and, fastening 
the frighted oxen to a tree, I ran to help Frank; but, 
fortunately, I was not wanted : the two dogs had rushed 
upon the animal, dragged away his prey from him, 
and when I and Frank reached the place, we found the 
creature quite dead. Our brave Brownie had seized 
him by the throat and finished the business. We all 
raised shouts of joy as Jack returned with the ostrich, 
and wasn’t he astonished when he saw our horrid 
enemy lying dead? The creature was as large as a 
wild boar, and on his back, from the head to the tail, 
he had thick black bristles standing on end. The dogs 
would never have been able alone to kill such a fierce 
strong creature, so it is well for us that Frankie was 
so brave.” 

“It makes me nervous to think of it,” said his 
mother, “although I am glad Frank was not afraid: 
that would have made it much more dangerous.” 

488 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘I was a little afraid, mamma,’’ said the boy, ‘‘when 
the creature laughed so horribly ; but I thought I could 
hit him more easily while he was eating, and so I did, 
and I felt proud of having killed such splendid booty. ’ ’ 

“And how did you manage the ostrich, Jack!’^ 
asked his mother. 

“Oh! I covered his eyes, and he got over his fright 
when the laughing was stopped.” 

“The skinning was a difficult process, papa,” ex- 
claimed Fritz; “we wanted you and the syringe to 
help us; but the hyena’s skin is coarse and rough com- 
pared to the bear’s. This was our first day’s work, 
and when we reached Wood Grange I sent those let- 
ters by the carrier pigeon, as you know, papa. We 
had our supper in the tent, and laid down to sl^ep on 
the bears’ skins, lighted fires round it, while one of us 
kept watch in turns, with our guns in readiness. 

“We had made up our minds to occupy the next day 
in exploring Black Swan Lake, and I was to cruise near 
the shore in my canoe, while Jack and Frank followed 
on foot, as near the water as they could walk without 
sticking in marshy ground, and at every point where 
I expressed a wish to stop on our way back they set up 
a tall bamboo cane. 

“I wanted so much to take some black swans alive, 
and almost on starting in the canoe, I came upon two 
old birds with their young ones. I had some trouble 
to catch even one, for the old birds beat me with their 
wings, and tried to upset the canoe; but IVe got them 
all safe, as you know, papa, in the river, fastened with 
strings to the shore, and won’t they look beautiful in 
the duck-pond at Deliverance Bay, or in the Jackal 
Eiver, when we have tamed them I 

“A few minutes after securing the young swans we 
saw a beautiful bird standing on the shore, with long 
legs, a purple breast, and a crest of crimson-tipped 
feathers on its head. I threw a lasso of fine string 
489 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


round its neck, and although it struggled very much, 
I made it my prisoner. I think it is the royal heron, 
papa, and I do hope it will live and become tame. 

‘‘But I had a fright after this, though not so bad as 
the boys who were walking : a great ugly beast rushed 
out of the rushes just in front of them, hissing loudly. 
We were so taken by surprise, that we never thought 
of firing till it was out of sight. It was of a dark brown 
color, and something like a young rhinoceros, but 
without tusks, and it had such a long snout and 
upper lip, — a most ugly animal: what could it have 
been!’’ 

“By your description, Fritz,” I replied, “I believe 
the creature was a species of tapir. These animals 
frequent the banks of large rivers in South America ; 
but they are very harmless.” 

“A flock of cranes came next,” continued Fritz, 
“just as we passed the corn-field, and these we fired at 
with arrows. Four or five fell, as you have seen, papa, 
but two of them are unlike the others, and have larger 
wings.” 

“I noticed it, my boy,” I replied: “these are Nu- 
midian cranes, and among them is one of those called 
the demoiselle crane, from the affected and fantastical 
movements it performs on its legs, almost as if it was 
dancing. ’ ’ 

“That evening, although we returned home very 
tired,” said Fritz, going on with the narrative of their 
adventures, “we enjoyed our supper of cold peccary 
ham, cassava cakes, and potatoes baked in the ashes, 
very much. Sometimes for dessert after dinner we 
gathered guavas and other fruit. But, mamma, ’ ’ added 
the boy, “you were right about the pemmican; it was 
not at all nice, so we gave it to the dogs.” 

“I dare say the instructions you gave me were not 
quite correct,” she replied with a smile; “but we will 
try again some day, perhaps the second attempt will 
490 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


be more successful. But go on with your adventures, 
Fritz. ’ ’ 

‘‘We intended to pay a visit next day to Prospect 
Hill,’’ be said, “but on reaching the pine wood, we 
found a whole troupe of monkeys seated on the 
branches. They howled and chattered and gnashed 
their teeth at us, pouring down upon us at the same 
time a hailstorm of pine-cones. We had to run from 
side to side to avoid them. At last I fired a few small 
shots amongst the rebels, which sent them flying, and 
we continued the rest of our journey in peace. 

“But when we reached Prospect Hill, such a scene 
of destruction presented itself! We have been too 
busy, since you came, with the repairing here, to spare 
time from our work to show it to you ; but, oh 1 papa, 
you will be sorry when you see it. 

“Every place is broken down and destroyed by 
those dreadful monkeys. We could only unharness 
the animals from the cart and the sledge: it was im- 
possible to unload. The hut had disappeared, and we 
were obliged to put up our tent for a sleeping-place. 
However, I determined to try to exterminate these 
mischievous animals. 

“We had milked the goats before leaving Wood 
Grange, and I placed a small quantity of milk in sev- 
eral cocoanut-shells, with palm wine^nd bruised grain. 
Into each of these I poured a few drops of the poison- 
ous gum of the euphorbia-tree, which you had given 
me, papa, in a calabash bottle for some purpose. 
These cocoanut-shells I hung on the young palm-trees 
close by, and placed a few on the fallen trunks of other 
trees. 

“All this employed us till late in the evening.^ Our 
animals were lying down on the green turf enjoying 
their rest when we returned to the tent; but before 
entering it, the appearance of a strange light in the dis- 
tant horizon, where the sea and sky seemed to meet, 
491 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


induced us to climb to the bigb ground on Prospect 
Hill, for I thought it must be a ship on fire. But 
while we stood looking earnestly at the light, the round 
disc of the moon, large and full, peeped above the 
horizon, and presently such a glorious light streamed 
over the sea and the country all round: it was quite 
beautiful. I could have read a book in the moon- 
light. 

‘‘While we thus stood on the hill, there suddenly 
sounded in our ears the loud snarling or hissing cry 
of some strange animal, and the crackling of grass 
and weeds under heavy feet, that seemed to be passing 
over the rocks into the sea. 

“Brownie and' Fawn as well as the jackal must have 
heard it, for they all set up barking and howling in a 
frightful manner; but the dogs could not rush out, for 
we had tied them up in the tent for fear they should 
touch the poisoned drink intended for the apes. We, 
however, returned quickly to the tent, and after reno- 
vating the fires we had lighted, laid down on our bear- 
skins to sleep. But we had very little rest. The 
moonlight roused the monkeys: we could hear them 
snarling, chattering, and howling near us for hours, 
and then all became so still that we fell asleep, and did 
not wake next morning till long after sunrise. 

“Oh, papal’^ continued Fritz, “what a dreadful 
poison that euphorbia must be ! When we left our tent 
the sight of so many dead monkeys horrified us. I be- 
lieve our possessions are now safe at last. As quickly 
as possible we threw the dead bodies into the sea, and 
burned the cocoanut-shells and flasks that had con- 
tained the poison.’^ 

“It was a dangerous performance, Fritz,’’ I said, 
“and a sad necessity to destroy all those living crea- 
tures so quickly; but do not let us talk about it. You 
have not yet described the capture of those beautiful 
birds with the long tail-feathers.” 

492 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


''Ernest says they are called birds of Paradise,’^ he 
replied, "and indeed they have the most beautifully 
colored feathers I ever saw. We were walking 
through high grass near the river, when the dogs 
started quite a flock of them. I sent up my eagle, and 
he brought down one, which fell trembling and terri- 
fied in the grass; and as I saw another falling, I am 
sure from fear, I held out my hands and caught it, 
while Jack picked up the other; both were living and 
unhurt. ’ ’ 

''I am glad these lovely creatures are not injured, 
Fritz,” I replied, "and I think they will be easily 
tamed, for they are as gentle as doves.” 

While we remained at this spot and during the build- 
ing of our new summer residence, I allowed the boys 
to make short excursions in the neighborhood alone, 
as a change, and they made several fresh discoveries 
in consequence. Fritz on one occasion brought home 
from the opposite shores of the stream two sorts of 
fruit, differing in size, but not in appearance. One 
of them he supposed to be young cucumbers, or gher- 
kins ; but, on tasting them, I discovered that those he 
had mistaken for gherkins were bananas, and the other 
the valuable cocoanut from the seeds of which choco- 
late is made. These seeds, which are exceedingly hit- 
ter, are contained in a soft, fleshy fruit, with a sickly 
taste. The banana was not much better, having the 
flavor of a rotten pear. 

It is strange that both these trees should produce 
an unpalatable fruit which, by preparation, can be 
made so pleasant and valuable. The cacao-seed, after 
being removed from the fruit, is dried, pounded, and 
mixed with spices to form delicious chocolate. The 
banana is very much admired by the natives of both 
the Indies, in which it grows, but when sent to Europe, 
it is generally as a sweet preserve. 

"If that be so,” said my wife, "I should like a few 

493 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


seeds or young plants for my nursery. I can no doubt 
also make a delicious preserve of tbe banana.’’ 

‘‘Of course you can, dear wife,” I replied; “and 
Fritz can easily procure for you a few of tbe young 
shoots ; but the cacao-seeds require a very watery soil, 
so that it is too late in the season for them now. How- 
ever, the fruit may keep till the rainy season, and then 
the seed must be sown the instant it is taken from the 
pulp. ’ ’ 

On the day before that on which our return to Eock 
House was fixed, Fritz started in his canoe to obtain 
for his mother a supply of young banana plants and 
the cacao fruit, which were to be found only on the 
opposite shore of the Eastern Eiver. Behind him, as 
a sort of raft, he towed a bundle of reeds, which floated 
on the surface of the water. This he brought back in 
the evening with him fully loaded. 

His brothers rushed to the strand, and chased the 
canoe to secure the vegetable raft and its contents, 
Ernest and Frank seized it as he neared the shore, and 
at the same time one of them threw a loaded bag, that 
had slipped half into the water, to Jack, and told him 
to take care of it. 

Away ran Jack with the bag, full of curiosity, behind 
a bush, and opened it just wide enough for him to peep 
in. 

“Oh, you great fellow!” he cried, with a start; 
“what a monster you are I You made me nearly jump 
out of my skin.” 

Then he closed the bag carefully, and, placing it 
again half in and half out of the water, made it fast 
to a tree. The reason of all these performances we 
did not learn till later. 

By this time Fritz had sprung on shore, carrying a 
bird with its legs and wings bound, and full of joy, for 
his booty was a beautiful sultan or water-fowl. The 
legs and feet were red ; the chief color of the body and 
494 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


wings a rich purple, changing on the back to dark 
green, flecked with red spots, and on the throat to 
brown. The creature was gentle, and appeared likely 
to be tamed easily. The beauty of this new arrival 
pleased the mother greatly, and she determined to take 
it under her own immediate care. 

Fritz had met with many strange adventures in his 
cruise up the river, and his description of the beautiful 
country through which he passed would have tempted 
us to visit it, but for the creatures by which it was in- 
habited. 

Green fields, trees loaded with fruit on one shore; 
and on the other, overhanging mountains and majestic 
forests. Here and there troupes of birds with glorious 
plumage, producing such an unheard-of mixture of 
sounds, that their cackling, quacking, gobbling, and 
screaming made him almost giddy. There were 
guinea-fowls, peacocks, and numbers of other birds, 
with a few sultan fowls, one of which he had managed 
to capture. 

Farther on he passed a whole forest of mimosa-trees, 
in which from ten to twenty elephants were peacefully 
feeding on the large branches of the trees, which they 
tore down with their trunks with as much ease as Fritz 
could have broken off a sugar-cane. They then entered 
the river, and stood in the water as a means of cooling 
themselves during the fierce heat of the day. 

At a point farther down the river Fritz observed a 
number of panthers, their splendidly-marked fur shin- 
ing in the sun’s rays. 

felt for a moment inclined to try my skill as a 
marksman on one of these fellows,” he said ; ‘Hut while 
I hesitated a rushing sound startled me, and I saw the 
water, at about a stone’s throw in front of me, boiling 
and foaming, as if some large spring had suddenly 
burst forth beneath it. 

“Suddenly there arose from the water a hideous ani- 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


mal, that made me shudder, its loud bellow resembling 
in some measure the neighing of a horse; while the 
creature, opening his wide jaws, displayed a row of 
frightful teeth, which seemed to be stuck in the gums 
like a regiment of Spanish lancers. 

turned at once, and fled from the spot like an 
arrow, rowing with all my strength till I reached the 
current, while the perspiration rolled down my face. I 
never looked back till, at a bend of the river, I lost sight 
of the monster. I then took up my paddle again, and 
did not feel safe till I had reached a point which I knew 
was not far from our tent.^^ 

From this description I at once decided that the 
neighborhood of the Eastern Eiver and the Green 
Valley was, in spite of its verdure and beauty, infested 
with wild animals, and among them the creature which 
had so alarmed Fritz. It was no doubt the hippopota- 
mus or sea-horse. He had, however, made many dis- 
coveries, and had not only obtained the required plants 
and seeds for his mother, but also a handsome water- 
fowl. 

During the absence of Fritz we had been all very 
busy in preparing for our departure on the following 
day. 

The boy, however, had not lost his courage by the 
alarming sights he had seen on this excursion, for he 
begged me to allow him to return to Eock House in 
his canoe. 

He could, he said, double the promontory of False 
Hope, and then keep inshore till he reached the Jackal 
Eiver. 

I readily gave my consent, for I felt it would be of 
great importance for one of the boys, at least, to learn 
the navigation of the island, and also to ascertain if it 
were possible to reach the promontory, or the Arabian 
Watch-tower, by a nearer way than by the open sea. 

Early the following morning we started from home 

496 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


with the cart and the sledge, well laden, and the nu- 
merous feathered folk carefully packed in baskets. 

I had decided to place the mountain fowl and the 
cranes, with a few other birds, on the two islands ; the 
black swans, the sultan fowl, and the royal heron were 
to be set free on the marsh. 

This marsh, near the duck-pond, had grown into a 
lake since the heavy rains, and we hoped to tame the 
new-comers by feeding them now and then with tidbits 
from our own hands. 

The old bustards were to retain the privilege of be- 
ing near us at meal-times, as they were accustomed, 
standing gravely waiting for their share. 

On the evening of our arrival at Rock House, and 
while seated in the veranda enjoying the cool fresh air, 
Fritz returned, and hastened at once to relate his ad- 
ventures. On reaching Cape False Hope, he had 
skirted the opposite shore of the island, which we had 
never yet reached by land, and found it in some parts 
a chain of high rocks, and in others fertile country. 

On many of the clefts of the rocks, and at their feet, 
were groves of bushes covered with blossoms that filled 
the air with their sweet perfume. These flowers were 
small and white, with pink centers and petals tipped 
with green. The heart-shaped leaves, however, as well 
as the stalks, were thorny. He also found another 
white flower with slender leaves, not unlike those of the 
cherry-tree blossom. 

This flower greatly resembled the China tea-tree, 
and the hope that it would prove so greatly pleased the 
mother. The former I took for the blossom of the 
caper, which is a creeping plant growing in the crevices 
of rocks and on old ruins. 

While Fritz was relating and producing the results 
of his cruise, a sudden noise was heard in the direction 
of the duck-pond, which now bore the name of Swan 
Lake since the river had overflowed its banks. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


The sound was a hollow ghastly bellow, not unlike 
the angry lowing of two fighting oxen, and our dogs 
rushed out barking furiously. I started up hastily, 
and called to Jack to bring me my double-barreled 
gun, while the mother, Ernest, and Frank rushed into 
the house. Fritz alone surprised me: he that was so 
ready to seize his weapons, now stood leaning against 
one of the supports of the veranda laughing most un- 
mercifully. This, however, eased my mind : I re-seated 
myself and said, 

suppose you know it is nothing but the bellow of 
a bittern or a marsh pig?^' 

‘‘Or,’’ said Fritz, “most likely an evening serenade 
from Jack’s giant frog.” 

“Ho! ho!” I exclaimed; “this is one of the tricks 
of that clever young gentleman, is it! I understand 
now the mystery of the sack, and why he wished to 
start before us on the way home! 

“It is all right, wife,” I called out; “nothing but the 
croaking of a frog.” 

“A frog!” she exclaimed, as she answered my call, 
followed by Ernest and Frank. 

“Yes, mamma, a giant frog, which I brought home 
for Jack on my last excursion. Is it a European 
frog?” 

“Oh, no,” I replied: “the giant frog is a native of 
America, and sometimes grows to the size of a rabbit. 
Another species which inhabits South Africa, where 
the heat during both day and night at some parts of 
the year is most oppressive, keeps up a continual croak- 
ing. The giant frog croaks only at night, and his 
music, when near at hand, is not very agreeable. I 
hope, however, that our heron will soon put him to 
silence, and in the meantime we will let him re- 
main.” 

Jack, who had rushed off quickly to the pond on hear- 
ing the unearthly noise, came back while I was speak- 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ing, and looked very mucli annoyed at the behavior of 
his new plaything. 

‘‘It is a great ugly thing, papa,’’ said the boy, “but 
not half as big as a rabbit. I think it is what they call 
a bull-frog; but if it wouldn’t croak so loud, I should 
like to keep it and see how large it would grow. I 
don’t think the heron or even the cranes could swallow 
it now, even if they were to try.” 

“You may keep him if you like, my boy,” said his 
mother; “but don’t let him come near the house; and 
as to his noise, we shall perhaps get used to it. ’ ’ 

After a few days’ rest, my wife begged me to plan 
a last excursion for the summer to Falcon’s Nest, and 
employ our energies in restoring and finishing the in- 
side of our old summer palace. I willingly agreed to 
her wishes, only waiting till the boys had finished the 
butfalo-lick, which they were now busy in laying out. 

In two days this was completed, and we all started 
oif eagerly on our expedition to Falcon’s Nest. 

We found everything as we had left it, but in a very 
unfinished state. Our first work was to cut the sides 
of the arched roots into shape and polish them. The 
terrace upon these roots was repaired, and the flooring 
covered with a mixture of tar and resin to make it 
water-tight. A roof of bark was placed over the up- 
per balcony, outside our old sleeping-apartment; this 
roof also overhung the terrace beneath, and across 
the railings of both we nailed lattice-work, so that we 
really had now two balconies round the tree castle. 

The tarpaulin over the sleeping-room was removed 
to make room for a new roof, formed of bark and tree 
branches, similar to that in our Kamschatka summer- 
house at Wood Grange. When finished, the summer 
palace presented an exceedingly attractive appear- 
ance. 

This beautifying completed, Fritz, as usual, had some 
new plan to suggest. He proposed that we should 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


erect a battery on the heights of Shark’s Island, on 
which to place our four-pounder cannon. This pro- 
posal cost me a great deal of head-breaking thought. 

I arranged my plans at last, and then embarked on 
board the yacht and sailed to the island. The cannon 
was first lifted from the carriage, and the latter raised, 
by strong cords, a windlass, and pulley, to the top of 
the rocks. The cords, which had many knots, hung 
from the summit and served as steps for us to climb 
up. It was a difficult task to raise the cannon and 
place it on the wagon, but we succeeded by persever- 
ance at last. 

It stood with its mouth towards the ocean, and behind 
it was built a guard-house of boards and bamboo canes. 
A tall thick cane was also placed near the cannon, with 
a loose flag, fastened to rings by a strong cord, to be 
drawn up and down for the aid of any voyagers of our 
colony when out at sea alone. This undertaking oc- 
cupied two months, and there arose a tumult of delight 
when the flag was hoisted for the first time, and a salute 
of six shots, which reechoed from rock to rock, was 
fired in honor of the occasion. 


500 


CHAPTER XXXVII 

APTEB TEN YEAES PEARL BAY 

C HAPTER after chapter of this story has been 
added during the years that have rolled by since I 
and my family were cast shipwrecked and alone on the 
sea-girt shores of this island. 

During the ten years which have elapsed I have en- 
deavored to record, step by step, our doings, whether 
in hunting, ship-building, or making discoveries which, 
by intelligence and thought, could be turned to account. 

I am now anxious to describe the result of these ex- 
ertions, and I shall be satisfied if the design of the book 
is suflSciently clear to the young reader to prove what 
the members of a family who, even under trying cir- 
cumstances, live piously and in harmony together, can 
perform by industry and perseverance. By the bless- 
ing of God on their endeavors, they are strengthened 
and made successful, and fitted to become useful mem- 
bers of society and of the community to which they 
belong. 

The story will prove also how innumerable are the 
gifts of the Creator as seen in nature, if we search 
for them, and that not one of these benefits can be too 
trifling to be made useful and profitable to ourselves 
by intelligence, industry, and a well-ordered mind. 

But instead of pausing in my narrative, as a rush- 
ing stream suddenly arrested in its course, I will glance 
back, and give a short sketch of our work and its re- 
sults during the ten years that we have remained on 
the island. 

Our boys have grown up, in a certain sense, different 

501 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in mind and person to children accustomed to associate 
with others of their own age. Their physical powers 
have been strengthened by labor, and their minds de- 
veloped by the excursions and discoveries we have 
made and conversed about. 

Their knowledge of languages and literature has 
been kept up by reading and study during the rainy 
seasons, especially by Ernest, who is of a studious dis- 
position, and less actively inclined than his brothers. 
Fritz, however, is the most proficient in the English 
language, which he reads and speaks with great cor- 
rectness. They are all now healthy and handsome 
young men. 

Our dwelling-places, both at Eock House and Fal- 
con ^s Nest, have, during the last few years, been much 
improved, and were now not only attractive in appear- 
ance, but convenient and healthful. Eock House es- 
pecially formed a capital warehouse for our stores, as 
well as an excellent winter residence. 

The greater part of the year, however, we have spent 
at Falcon ^s Nest, for there we had excellent shelter for 
our fowls and stalls for the cattle and sheep, as well 
as for the game we wished to preserve alive. Here 
also were the bee-hives, which supplied us with honey 
in great quantities. But the increase in the number 
of bees, which obliged me to form several new hives, 
had attracted a bird of beautiful plumage, named the 
bee-eater, and this necessitated the destruction of all 
we caught. Two, however, were preserved to adorn 
our museum, which was still a great pleasure to us, 
especially on a Sunday. The contents of this museum 
have increased in number so rapidly that we have been 
obliged to fit up another space in Eock House to be 
entirely devoted to these curiosities. 

Eock House has also been greatly beautified and im- 
proved, both within and without. The veranda has 
been extended by two wings, one at each side, and the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


creeping plants at the foot of each bamboo column or 
support, have grown luxuriously, and now twine round 
them even to the roof, which they completely cover, 
hanging down from the eaves in a most picturesque 
manner, and forming a pleasant shade. 

Close to the rock, and under one wing of the veranda, 
stands the fountain, formed of the turtle’s shell, and, 
as we often sit in the open air during the evening, the 
splashing of the water, as it trickles into the fountain, 
has a very pleasant and cooling sound. Another foun- 
tain, constructed from a large hollow bamboo cane, has 
been erected under the opposite wing, for the sake of 
symmetry. This time we were not fortunate enough 
to obtain a large turtle-shell for the purpose. 

At the end of each wing, the roof of which covers 
the fountains, two broad steps have been placed, and 
the whole frontage presents the appearance of the 
exterior of a house in China. 

The landscape before us is in the highest degree ro- 
mantic and charming, and forms a striking contrast to 
the ridge of rugged rocks behind. 

Between our dwelling and Deliverance Bay are 
spread out in order and fertility shrubs and trees, both 
European and natives of the soil; Shark’s Island is 
covered with cocoanut-palms and pines. On the strand 
a thick growth of mangrove-trees resists the advance 
of the waves. 

Near the crest of the rock on Shark’s Island stands 
the guard-house, with its four-pounder cannon, and its 
raised flag fluttering in the air. In the foreground lies 
the old duck-pond, enlarged by an overflow of the sea, 
which has covered great part of the Jackal Marsh, and 
now forms a considerable lake. 

On its dark blue waters float the majestic black 
swans, their plumage forming a pleasant contrast to 
the snow-white geese and many-colored ducks, but all 
in social companionship. 

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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Our gardens and plantations extend nearly to the 
lake, and on the marshy ground round it, and through 
the rushes, can he distinguished now and then the red 
crest of the sultan marsh-fowl, the purple flamingo, the 
red-tipped feathers of the stately herons, and the 
Numidian crane, — all associating in perfect harmony 
and quite domesticated. Beneath the stately trees 
and shrubberies marches the ostrich, quite at his ease. 
The cranes and bustards as usual keep close to our 
fields, while the beautiful Canadian or heath-fowl, and 
the mountain hen, can be heard rustling in the bushes. 

Above us fly the pigeons here and there, or, seated 
on the roof of the verandah, dress their beautiful 
plumage before our eyes, their soft cooing mingling 
with the sound of the trickling fountains. In fact, the 
region once s.o wild and unfruitful seems to have van- 
ished, and, as the consequence of our industry and 
perseverance, its site has become a veritable Paradise 
on earth. 

On the shore of Jackal Eiver, from the highest 
ground almost to the water ^s edge, grow orange and 
lemon-trees, Indian figs, and many thorn-bearing 
shrubs, so close together that it seems impossible for 
even a mouse to slip in. I had some thoughts once of 
cutting a road through this thicket, but in itself it pre- 
sented such a bulwark against intruders, that I con- 
sidered it safer to leave it. 

The Spanish canes render the way round the marsh 
equally impassable, and as the drawbridge is always 
up as a rule, Eock Castle is truly protected on all 
sides. At night the stillness is so great, that no sound 
can be heard but the croaking of Jack^s bullfrog, which 
has hitherto escaped the jaws of the heron or the 
cranes. 

Between our dwelling and the Jackal Eiver we had 
preserved a little corner in which to raise the cotton- 
plant, and at Wood Grange the cotton-fields are very 
504 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


extensive. In fact, onr kitchen gardens, orchards, 
plantations, corn-fields, and shrubberies were, at the 
end of ten years, as productive and flourishing as I 
could wish. 

We had found some difficulty in keeping off thieves 
from the com and fruit, in the shape of squirrels, par- 
rots, and even the wild birds we had domesticated ; be- 
sides sparrows, thrushes, field-mice, and similar rob- 
bers by night. However, by scaring them at one time, 
and a few small shots at another, we generally suc- 
ceeded in saving our crops and securing a plentiful 
harvest. 

On Shark’s Island also the rabbits have multiplied 
amazingly, and they have not only supplied us with 
food from year to year, but also with their soft and 
useful fur. Whale Island, though almost as fruitful 
as Shark’s Island in vegetation, proved unsuitable to 
the antelopes. Perhaps the island was too exposed 
for these delicate little creatures, for they did not 
thrive or increase in number till we removed them to 
Falcon’s Nest. 

Since then I have carried to Whale Island all our 
arrangements for candle-making, tanning, cleansing 
and combing wool, and all other work that has an of- 
fensive smell. At first our workshops were in the open 
air, now they are all covered in and roofed. 

Wood Grange Farm is in a flourishing condition: 
we have a large number of sheep, goats, pigs, and poul- 
try, as well as oxen and cows. 

Storm and Grumbler are still living, as well as the 
good old cow from the wreck ; but our young cows now 
also supply us with milk and cream, and we are pro- 
vided with mutton, beef, and veal from our own herds 
and flocks. Among the oxen and cows, however, are 
some more favored than others. 

One of them is a young pet cow, of such a pretty 
creamy white, that we gave her the name of Snow; and 
505 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


an ox with sucli a tremendous voice, that the hoys call 
him Eoarer. 

There are also young wild asses so fleet of foot, that 
we have given them the names of Arrow and Brisk; 
and one of Fawn^s pups was honored by Jack with the 
curious title of Cocoa. The boys will sometimes even 
now make it necessary for us to stop our ears as they 
shout, ‘‘Oh! hallo! hio! Cocoa!’’ 

Hunter, the jackal, has been dead some time, and 
his place supplied by another, found in a hole in the 
rock, as before, by Fritz. He is not so tame as Hun- 
ter the First, but quite as clever. 

At Falcon’s Nest, as well as at Eock Castle and 
Wood Grange, the kitchen gardens and potato-fields 
have flourished wonderfully. The shoals of herrings 
have never failed to visit us yearly; and with our large 
and increasing farm stock, a supply of game has not 
been so necessary; the store of guns and ammunition, 
therefore, has lately been seldom invaded. 

In fact, I found myself, at the end of ten years, the 
owner of fields and meadows, orchards and planta- 
tions, and three different residences, and as rich in farm 
stock as a wealthy farmer in the dear old country. 

We had all learnt experience in our industry. My 
boys had grown from youth to manhood, and gained 
both mental and physical strength. 

Fritz, now in his twenty-fourth year, is of middle 
size, but muscular, high spirited, and rather hasty. 

Ernest, two years younger, is tall and slight, cool 
and indolent, but far superior to his brother in intel- 
lectual power and refined tastes. 

Jack, at twenty, is nearly as tall as Fritz, and very 
like him in many respects, but of a larger build, and 
possessing smartness, with activity of mind and l3ody, 
and great stability of character. 

Frank, the youngest, is different in character from 
all his brothers. The influence of Jack, however, has 
506 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


been very great over the boy four years younger than 
himself, and he often exerts that power. All of them 
possess a candid straightforwardness of character, a 
respect and adherence to religious duties, and so many 
of those good impulses which spring from manly feel- 
ings, that I can still easily influence them. 

Such is our little colony at the end of ten years, dur- 
ing which we have seen no human being excepting each 
other; yet we still maintain the hopes of mixing once 
more in the companionship of man. If at times I have 
felt a sinking at the heart when I considered our iso- 
lated condition, I have concealed my trouble from my 
dear ones, and turned my thoughts with a prayer to 
the Almighty that He would keep me always strong in 
my hope and trust in Him. 

My sons, when not employed in any work on the 
estate, are still fond of making excursions, and are 
often absent the whole day in search of new discov- 
eries. The pinnace and the yacht have been preserved 
and kept in good repair, and Fritz ^s canoe greatly 
strengthened and improved. The pinnace still lies in 
the dock I formed for her in days gone by, by damming 
up a portion of the river near the Flamingo Marsh. We 
have more than once been out to sea in this pretty boat 
— ^my wife, the four boys, and myself — and have even 
ventured almost out of sight of land; but a recollec- 
tion of the storm we had once experienced made me 
hesitate to take such a voyage often, although we al- 
ways had the compass on board. 

Fritz, as fearless as ever, often paddles his canoe 
to a great distance ; and it is very unusual for him to 
return without having made some new discovery, or 
with a supply of sea-birds, dead or alive. 

On one occasion, after paying a visit to the Green 
Valley, he brought home a large capture of guinea- 
fowls, and the boys at once hastened to build an en- 
closure for them of bamboo canes of such an enormous 
507 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


size, that it looked like a large bird-trap, with a trellis- 
work of thin laths for a sloping roof. The birds were 
attracted to this large cage by throwing a quantity 
of seeds and berries on the ground within it, and after 
awhile they became so tame and reconciled, that they 
would come to our dinner-table for any little tidbits 
we liked to throw to them. Many wild birds have been 
brought alive by the hoys to these cages, and tamed in 
the same manner with very little difficulty. 

One day very lately Fritz started early in his canoe, 
promising to return before nightfall; but evening ap- 
proached, and no trace of his boat could he seen on the 
sea, even with the telescope. Feeling anxious, I and 
the boys proceeded at once to the dock, and, launching 
the yacht, crossed to Shark ^s Island, and mounted the 
heights on which our guard-house and cannon stood. 
The flag was always hoisted while any of our party 
was at sea as a beacon to help him to return; and 
after again sweeping the horizon with my glass, and 
seeing no signs of the canoe, I determined to fire a 
signal from the cannon. 

The report was reechoed from the rocks, but for a 
long time no canoe was to be seen. At last a little 
black spot was observed floating on the water, and 
through the telescope we discovered it to be our 
pseudo-Greenlander in his canoe. He neared us 
slowly and with seeming indifference, as if in no hurry 
to reach the coast; therefore Ernest, to rouse him, ex- 
claimed to Jack, as if he were the officer on guard, 

“Number One, fire!’’ 

Then we all raised a joyful hurrah, and descended 
quickly to the strand, in hopes of meeting him when he 
reached it, that he might return with us in the yacht to 
Eock House. 

But as Fritz approached the island, I understood in 
a moment the cause of his slow movements: an enor- 
mous booty floated, hound, at the side of the canoe, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and by tlie head of the walrus in the bow lay a similar 
bundle; and, above all, behind the boat, in the water, 
a bag of considerable size was being towed, which must 
have greatly interfered with the rower’s progress. 

“Welcome, Fritz, welcome!” I exclaimed to the boy, 
who was still at some distance. “What news from 
land and sea do you bring? At all events, I perceive 
you have brought a large booty, and I praise God that 
you have returned safely at last.” 

“Yes, I do thank Heaven,” he replied, “that I am 
home again safe and well, with all my cargo ; besides, 
I have made discoveries and met with adventures that 
will, I know, be greatly appreciated. ’ ’ 

At home that evening, after a little rest and refresh- 
ment to our traveler, we all seated ourselves with great 
curiosity to hear an account of his adventures. 

“I must ask you first, dear father,” said the young 
man, “to pardon me for leaving this morning without 
your knowledge, but I was anxious to start early on 
an excursion I have long wished to make, and I did 
not like to awaken you so soon. Besides, I knew that 
my canoe, being light and easily paddled, would carry 
me safely, even in case of a storm. I took with me a 
supply of provisions and a flask of mead, filled my 
water-skin, fixed the mariner’s compass right before 
my eyes on the deck, and then bound a harpoon to the 
stern, supplied myself with a boat-hook and some fish- 
ing-lines, but not my best firearms, lest they should 
get spoiled by the wet. 

“I had, however, a couple of pistols in my girdle, 
and my eagle was perched near me on the prow, as if 
watching for prey. It was a beautiful morning, and 
the calm sea attracted me irresistibly to carry out my 
plan. I stepped on board the canoe, and, seating my- 
self, paddled quickly towards the current from the 
Jackal Eiver, which soon carried me out to sea, while 
I carefully watched the bearings of the needles in the 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


compass, that I might know how to steer my way back 
without failure. 

‘‘As I passed the spot where our ship was wrecked, 
I saw beneath the clear water a quantity of useful 
articles lying at the bottom of the sea — cannons, iron 
bars, and shot of all sizes — which I really think might 
be raised at low water. 

“I then turned my canoe in quite a dilferent direc- 
tion from any we have ever taken at sea, yet keeping 
near the coast, and continued for some distance under 
broken and overhanging rocks. 

“Numerous sea-Mrds of every description flew 
screaming over my head, or, perched on the rocks, 
seemed to watch my progress with suspicion. A little 
farther on a number of marine animals, such as seals, 
walruses, and sea-bears, were lying in the clefts of 
the rocks, and seemed ready to spring from them upon 
me, in spite of their enormous bodies. 

I must own I was glad to escape from these wild- 
looking creatures, by pushing my canoe farther out 
to sea, and, after rowing for about an hour, entered a 
current that led me to a narrow stream under arched 
rocks, forming a rocky portal, which Nature, in mag- 
nificent grandeur, had built, putting to shame the imi- 
tations of man in their buildings of so-called Gothic 
and Grecian architecture. 

“Here and there were openings in the vaulted rocky 
roof, which raised itself to many hundred feet above 
the level of the sea. In this shadowy retreat a most 
unusual number of sea-birds, which had built their 
nests among the rocks, were flying about. They were 
scarcely larger than a Wren, and their white breasts 
contrasted pleasantly with the light green feathers of 
the wings and the dark plumage of the rest of the 
body. 

“Thousands of their nests appeared on every side, 
and seemed to be formed, not very skillfully, however, 
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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


of feathers and thistle-down. Strange to say, each of 
these nests rested upon a kind of support resembling 
a spoon without a handle. 

“I separated one of the empty nests carefully from 
the rock, and discovered that the interior was con- 
structed’ of dry moss, mixed with a substance some- 
thing like fish glue, which fixes it to the rocks, and I 
have brought it home in my fishing-tackle bag for you 
to examine.’^ 

‘‘From your description, Fritz, I should imagine 
that this nest belongs to a bird named the sea-swallow. 
The Chinese consider it a great delicacy for their ta- 
ble, and it forms a valuable article of commerce in 
China. I think, dear wife, we might make a trial of 
this nest if you will cook it for us to taste; the nests 
would be a great addition to our storehouse, if it proves 
edible, as there are so many.’’ 

“Well,” said the mother, “my knowledge of cook- 
ing is certainly sufficient to make a jelly of a bird’s 
nest, if the thing is possible ; it must, however, be first 
washed and cleaned.” 

“Oh, yes, mother!” was the reply; “we will do that 
if only you will give us the pleasure of tasting it this 
evening. ’ ’ 

“Father,” said Fritz, “where can these sea-swal- 
lows obtain the gelatinous stuff to fix their nests on 
such curious supports!” 

“It is not correctly known,” I replied; “but it is 
said that these birds obtain it from the foam of the 
sea, which they carry in their beaks and spread upon 
the clefts in the rock in which they desire to fasten 
their nests. But go on with your adventures, my boy, ’ ’ 
I added ; “ I am curious to know what other discoveries 
you have made.” 

“On leaving the rocky vault, which extended for 
some distance,” continued Fritz, “I entered the wa- 
ters of a magnificent bay, the shore of which appeared 
511 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


in the highest state of fertility, and stretched far away 
inland. Beyond rose high steep rocks, over which the 
waters dashed. Behind this rocky wall the ground 
had a marshy appearance, but a vast chain of clitfs 
shut out the view. 

While my little skitf floated swiftly over the clear 
transparent waters, I noticed a quantity of shell-fish of 
the bivalve or double shell kind, similar to the oyster, ly- 
ing at the bottom of the sea. They appeared to be tied 
together and fastened to the underlying rocks by fila- 
ments or hair-like threads. I imagined these fish must 
be as wholesome food as oysters, so I fished up a few 
with my boat-hook, and, being near, I threw them on 
shore, intending on my way back to place them in a 
bag tied to the side of the canoe, and, by keeping it half 
in the water, preserve them fresh. 

‘ ‘ But when I reached the spot on my return, I found 
that the heat of the sun had opened the shells, and that 
the contents were unfit for food. I then fished up 
about a bushel more, and these I have brought home, 
not because I think they are fit to eat, but on account 
of the little seeds which I found in the flesh when I at- 
tempted to eat one. Some of these seeds are about 
the size of a hazel-nut, and just like pearls. I 
have brought home a large number in my bamboo 
box. ’ ^ 

^‘Show them to me, Fritz,’’ I said hastily; and as 
he placed them in my hand, I saw in a moment that 
they were shining beautiful pearls. 

‘‘You have made a valuable discovery,” I continued: 
‘ ‘ these pearls are worth a large sum ; and yet here they 
are as useless, as regards profit, as the doubloons in 
the captain’s sea-chest. However, take care of them, 
my son, they may be of use some day. ’ ’ 

“I ate my dinner after this discovery without the 
oysters,” continued Fritz, “and then started on my 
return home, pausing only once to fill my skin with 
512 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sweet fresh water from a spring, after having taken a 
refreshing draught. 

‘‘I noticed many sea-birds of different kinds after 
leaving Pearl Bay, as I must now call it; and before 
reaching the current which led into the open sea, an 
albatross, frigate-birds, sea-gulls, and wild ducks flew 
and fluttered impudently around me. 

‘‘I managed to knock down one or two of the largest 
birds, and to shoot others ; but I had some difficulty in 
conquering the albatross, who was only slightly 
wounded in the wing. He kicked with his feet and 
struggled so violently that I expected he would escape. 

‘‘At last I bound his legs and wings, and continued 
my homeward journey. It certainly was a great re- 
lief when I arrived in familiar waters, and saw the 
welcome flag flying from the top of the rock.’’ 

Here ended, as I supposed, Fritz’s narrative; but 
when he left me to attend carefully to the wounded 
bird, and make him comfortable for the night, I 
could not quite understand the reason of so much anx- 
iety on his part respecting this bird’s fate. I discov- 
ered the cause, however, before retiring to rest. 


513 


CHAPTEE XXXVIII 


THE MYSTEEIOUS MESSAGE — THE LIONS 


FTEE attending to the albatross, Fritz left his 



mother and his brothers busily engaged in look- 
ing at the birds he had brought home. Passing me in 
the verandah, he, by a secret glance and a signal, made 
me understand that he wished to speak with me pri- 


vately. 


I followed immediately, and joined him at a little 
distance. 

“Father,’’ he said, as soon as we were alone, “I 
must take care of that wounded albatross: I did not 
tell you all just now. While the poor bird was strug- 
gling to escape, I saw wrapped round its leg a piece 
of white linen, and after I had secured him I took it otf, 
and found written on it in English, quite distinctly, the 
following words: ^Who will rescue an unfortunate 
English girl from a cave in the lonely rocks near to a 
volcano?'^ 

The reading of these words caused me a kind of elec- 
tric shock: I read them over two or three times. At 
last I said, 

‘ ‘ Fritz, can it be true ? A poor young creature alone 
on a desert isle! Great God! What has she to live 
upon? and how did she get there? Fritz, this troubles 
me greatly.” 

“Perhaps, father, I could send a message back by 
the albatross,” said Fritz; “I think he will be able to 
fly in a day or two.” 

“Very well,” I replied; “but not a word of this to 
the rest : it would make your mother anxious, and you 
are not sure of being able to find this poor lost one. 


514 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I must, however, arrange for you to be able to go on 
a voyage of discovery, without exciting any suspicion. ’ ’ 

Fritz readily agreed to this, and on the morning of 
the third day after receiving the message, he wrote 
on another piece of rag these words — Trust in God. 
No doubt help is at hand.^^ 

This message Fritz tied on one of the legs of the 
albatross, and the rag with the message he had re- 
ceived on the other. Then taking the bird down to the 
beach, he loosed his bonds and set him free. For a 
few moments the creature stood as if stupefied, and 
then suddenly rose in the air, and although he moved 
his wing with difficulty, soon disappeared, to the great 
joy of Fritz. 

During that day I took the first opportunity, when 
we were all seated together in the verandah, to remark 
in a very grave tone, 

^ ‘ I have been thinking, dear wife, that our eldest son 
Fritz is now of an age to be dependent on himself. I 
shall therefore from this time leave him free to act ac- 
cording to his own judgment, and to take any excur- 
sions or voyages alone which he considers necessary, 
without asking permission. Of course if he asks my 
advice I shall be ready to give it.’’ 

Fritz appeared overcome by my confidence in him, 
while his mother, feeling proud of her son, rose, and 
putting her arms round Mm, kissed him affectionately, 
and exclaimed with tears in her eyes, ‘‘God bless and 
preserve thee, my son!” then to conceal her emotion, 
she hastened away to prepare the evening meal. 

The boys, or young men as I should now call them, 
were a little surprised at my remarks about Fritz ; but, 
light-hearted as ever, they ran to their mother to beg 
her to prepare some oysters for supper in the shell. 
Frank, however, could not wait, and tried to open two 
or three with his knife. He succeeded with two, and 
found within them three large and three small pearls, 
515 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


which appeared so beautiful that a new idea struck the 
boys. 

we could make an oyster-bed in Deliverance 
Bay,’^ said Ernest, ‘‘we should have pearls by bush- 
els. ’ ^ 

“You might have pearls,’’ I said, “but not oysters 
fit for food. This beautiful pearl is only formed in 
the flesh of an oyster when it is diseased, or after the 
shell has been injured.” 

This information slightly damped the ardor of my 
young people, yet they still determined that on the 
first opportunity Fritz should take us to Pearl Bay, 
that we might obtain a store of oysters for our new 
oyster-bed. 

With this excursion in prospect, Ernest also con- 
structed a kind of scoop and a cutting machine, to re- 
move the empty nests of the sea-swallows, of which 
such beautiful jelly could be made. In the meantime 
Fritz worked zealously but silently in making space in 
his canoe for another seat, which revealed to me the 
fact that he was encouraging hopes in his heart which 
might never be realized. 

His brothers very naturally imagined that Fritz was 
trying to make his canoe suitable to accommodate one 
of them as well as himself, and he did not undeceive 
them. 

We now began to prepare for an excursion to Pearl 
Bay and the other places discovered by Fritz on his 
last voyage; and a very rich store of provisions we 
packed up for our journey. Fresh pemmican, cassava 
cakes, pastry from wheaten flour, nuts, almonds, and 
a cask of mead as a refreshing drink, — all these were 
stowed away in our yacht. 

We embarked at last on a day when the wind was 
in our favor and the tide served, and encouraged by 
the good wishes of the mother and Frank, who re- 
mained at home. We were accompanied by Master 
516 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Nip the Second, Nip the First having been dead for 
some years as well as poor old Turk. Floss, who was 
still brave in her old age, was not left behind, while 
Brownie and Fawn gladly joined us on hoard. 

Fritz took the lead in his canoe to show us the way, 
and Jack, who wished to be pilot, occupied the seat in 
the canoe which Fritz had prepared for another pur- 
pose. Following in his track, I determined to hoist 
a sail till we reached more peaceful waters. 

The various points touched by Fritz were pointed 
out by him as we sailed along in the track of the canoe. 
The sea was calm and smooth, and as transparent as 
a looking-glass. The nautilus passed us in full sail. 
We saw the shell-fish beneath the clear transparent 
water, and numbers of sea-birds were skimming its 
surface with rapid wing. As we passed this spot, we 
gave it the name of Nautilus Bay, 

At length we approached the grand portal to the 
stream which ran beneath vaulted rocks, and were as- 
tonished at the rugged grandeur of the spot. The 
majestic beauty of these arched rocks struck me with 
awe. The great Master Builder had here formed one 
of nature ^s temples, far exceeding in beauty and ele- 
gance the most stately cathedral ever erected by man. 

The sea-swallows, however, diverted our attention 
from the wonders of nature, and Ernest and Jack 
begged me to allow them to land upon the rocks, and 
cut down as many of these succulent nests as they could 
find empty. 

The passage beneath these vaulted rocks was very 
pleasant, till on arriving in the broad beautiful bay to 
which Fritz had given the name of Pearl Bay, I de- 
cided to stay all night and sleep on board the yacht. 

A fire was lighted on the shore, and we cast anchor 
at a little distance. The dogs remained near the fire, 
and Fritz, after mooring his canoe alongside the yacht, 
came on board for the night. 

517 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


We slept peacefully, except when disturbed by the 
bowlings of the jackals on shore, which not only pro- 
voked the dogs to bark, but also induced the jackal. 
Hunter, to join in the howls. 

At break of day we were all on the move, and after 
a hearty breakfast continued our voyage, Fritz still 
leading the way in his canoe. During this day we 
managed to secure a large store of oysters, and I also 
found on the shore a kind of vegetable kali or soda, 
and collected a quantity to carry on board, as I well 
knew it would be useful. 

On arriving at the point to which Fritz had ex- 
tended his exploring excursion, the young man came 
on board while his brothers were absent, and said, 

‘^Father, do you think you can find your way back 
without my assistance? You know why I ask.’’ 

‘^Of course I do, my son. I quite understand your 
anxiety to discover the volcanic island spoken of in 
that mysterious message. Have you sufficient pro- 
visions on board? For you must not go home to alarm 
your mother.” 

‘‘No, father, I will not do that. I have enough pro- 
visions, and I hope to discover the volcanic island after 
all. I shall therefore turn back to-morrow before you 
and my brothers are up : you can easily tell them when 
they miss me that I am acting independently in thus 
leaving you, as you informed them I was at liberty to 
do.” 

But Fritz was not to leave us next morning as he 
wished, owing to the appearance of a very unpleasant 
visitor in the evening twilight. We had been prepar- 
ing our supper on the shore, and Fritz was still in his 
canoe, making arrangements for an early start in the 
morning. 

Fortunately our watch-fires were already lighted for 
the night; yet that did not prevent us from hearing a 
most fearful yet deep low roar, that echoed among the 
518 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


rocks like tliiinder. I could imagine nothing less than 
the approach of leopards or panthers, yet while the 
sound sent a thrill of terror through the veins, I did 
not imagine anything so dreadful as the presence of a 
lion. 

But we were not long in suspense. A huge beast 
approached at three bounds, but was stopped by a 
stream which flowed between the shore and the inland 
country. I saw in a moment that it was an enormous 
lion, such as are exhibited in menageries in Europe. 
At finding this stop to his progress, the creature seated 
himself on his haunches like a cat, and glared at us 
with his fierce eyes. At the first sound of his awful 
voice, the dogs and Nip had slunk away to the space 
in front of the fire, which concealed them from the 
enemy ; and for myself I seemed almost paralyzed, and 
unable to recover my presence of mind. Presently 
the lion rose on his four legs, and began pacing up 
and down, as if searching for a convenient place to 
spring across the stream, lashing his tail while he 
walked with angry impatience. 

Again the deep low growl sounded in our ears, as 
the animal stooped to quench his thirst in the running 
stream ; and after again wandering backwards and for- 
wards without finding a spot narrow enough for him 
to spring over, he laid himself down on his stomach, 
and, lashing his tail in a rage, glared at us with flaming 
eyes. 

But before I could decide whether it was best to fire, 
or to return to our boat, the sound of a shot passing 
through the air in the growing darkness so startled us, 
that Ernest exclaimed, in terror, 

‘‘Father, Fritz has fired from his canoe!’’ 

At the same moment the lion sprang into the air, 
gave an awful roar or groan, stood still for a few sec- 
onds, staggered, fell on his knees, and remained with- 
out movement. 


519 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘We are saved 1'^ I cried, as we rushed back to the 
boat. “The lion is shot to the heart! He will not 
move again, thanks to Fritz! Eemain in the boat, 
boys, while I go to assist him : he may still be in dan- 
ger.’’ 

I sprang again on shore in shallow water, and the 
dogs met me with joyful movements expressive of their 
relief from the fear of danger ; but these gambols were 
soon at an end. As I approached the spot where the 
dead lion lay, a second, smaller, but not less formida- 
ble beast came from the wood, and, with one bound, 
alighted opposite the spot we had left to return to the 
boat. 

It was evidently the lioness, in search of her royal 
mate, and well for us that they had not been together 
at first. In a very short time she reached the place 
where the monarch of the forest lay. She felt him 
first with her paw, sniffed round the spot, licked his 
bleeding wounds, and then, gnashing her teeth, uttered 
a howl of distress that echoed horribly through the 
night air. 

Puff! another shot; and the lioness uttered a cry of 
pain. She had been wounded in the right foot, but 
she was still dangerous. I also fired my shot, break- 
ing her jaw, and causing her to fall and utter howls of 
pain and rage. 

Our dogs now took courage, and rushed upon the 
prostrate animal. Then followed a scene of fearful 
warfare too horrible to describe. The darkness of 
night, the growls of the lioness, the howls of the 
wounded dogs, I can never forget. I remained for a 
moment too overcome to fire a second shot, and in that 
moment the monster, with one stroke of her uninjured 
paw, crushed out the life of poor Floss, who had seized 
her by the throat. Too late to save her was the sec- 
ond shot of Fritz ; too late when I was able to venture 
near, and thrust my hunting-knife into the breast of 
520 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


-the lioness; too late when Fritz reached the battle- 
field. The terrible beast was dead, hut it had cost us 
the life of one of our dear old brave champions. 

With cries of joy we called Ernest and Jack from 
the boat to take part in the triumph. They came 
hastily, and, with tears of satisfaction, threw them- 
selves into our arms, for they had suffered painful 
anxiety on our account. The watch-fires were again 
replenished, and we returned with lighted torches to 
examine the battle-field, and remove, with great regret, 
the body of our brave Floss. 

To our horror, we found that the jaws, as is usual 
with bulldogs, had closed convulsively on the throat of 
the lioness, even in death. We, however, removed the 
poor animal; and Fritz and his brothers having dug 
a deep grave, they buried our faithful Floss, not with- 
out a few tears from her young masters, of which, 
however, they were not ashamed. 

Ernest was requested to write an epitaph on our old 
companion, which he promised to do on the following 
day, but this time in prose, not rhyme. 

I examined the wounds of Brownie and Fawn; and 
as they were not dangerous, I anointed them with a lit- 
tle oil, and, leaving them plenty of water to drink, 
they laid themselves down to rest near the watch-fires. 
I and my boys, after taking some wine, which we so 
truly needed, followed the example of the animals, and 
rested in peace till morning. 

We did not rise till late; and, after a substantial 
breakfast, for we were very hungry, I decided that we 
would not remain any longer in the neighborhood of 
the forest, but proceed farther up the hay, to the spot 
described by Fritz as being fertile and as verdant as 
the Green Valley. 

Fritz, who had promised me that he would put off 
his visit to the volcanic island till the morrow, led the 
way, and paddled in advance of us, the movement of 
521 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


our yaclit in the calm still water having a soothing in- 
fluence after the fearful disturbance of the previous 
night. 

I noticed, as we sailed along the coast, the entrance 
to a little river, which flowed between a charming 
country and the outskirts of the forest. 

We entered this river, and, proceeding for a short 
distance inland, anchored, thoughtlessly, on the banks 
which bordered the forest. 

Ernest and Jack immediately decided to land and 
explore the country, Fritz remaining with me on the 
boat. The two dogs, in spite of their battle on the 
preceding night, readily followed the young men, and 
the jackal, who had kept a respectful distance from 
the Hons, hastily joined them. 

We were conversing on the subject always upper- 
most, as I afterwards discovered, in the mind of Fritz 
— on the possibility of rescuing the English girl who 
had sent the message. 

‘‘Perhaps she has no food or water!’’ exclaimed 
Fritz; “and in that case the delay of even a day is 
dangerous. ’ ’ 

“She does not say that she is starving in the mes- 
sage,” I replied; ‘ I almost regret that you did not 
go at once instead of accompanying us on this voyage. 
The fact is, I feared to allow you to venture on such 
an uncertain expedition as the discovery of a volcanic 
mountain. It must be at a great distance, for we have 
seen no signs of even smoke from the highest points 
of our island.” 

Fritz did not tell me then, but I found out after- 
wards, that he had made more than one short trip 
in various directions, with the hope of discovering 
even the smoke from a mountain-top, but without suc- 
cess. 

My two sons had not been absent an hour when we 
were much startled at hearing a gun fired on shore, 
522 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and the report followed by a great cry and a second 
shot. 

Fritz, without a word, seized his gun, sprang on 
shore, and rushed hastily to the spot, from which now 
sounded the fierce barking of the dogs and the yells 
of the jackal. I followed him quickly, and as we drew 
near another shot whizzed by ; and presently the words 

Victory! victory!’’ resounded through the air in joy- 
ful tones. 

Fritz was more rapid in his movements; and when 
I at last overtook him, I was alarmed at seeing him, 
with Ernest, supporting his brother Jack, who, pale 
and trembling, seemed ready to fall. 

‘‘My dear boy,” I exclaimed, “what has happened? 
Where are you injured ? ’ ’ 

“I do not know,” he replied, his teeth chattering as 
he spoke. ‘ ‘ Some monster attacked me, and I thought 
it was another lion. ’ ’ 

“I believe Jack is not really hurt, father,” said 
Ernest; “but we have had an encounter with a wild 
boar — an enormous beast — ^with tusks at least six 
inches long. He was digging in the soil, and when the 
dogs attacked him, he rushed at poor Jack and knocked 
him down : you know he is always so daring in danger, 
and he went too close. My first shot disabled him, and 
enabled Jack to get up, and the dogs, with the jackal 
and my second shot, followed by one from Fritz, com- 
pleted the victory.” 

“I hope you are not really injured by the horrid 
beast, ’ ’ I said, as I examined his chest and his arms ; 
and, finding no external injury, I continued, “You have 
had a serious shock, my boy, nothing more, I feel con- 
vinced; yet to be thrown down by such a creature is 
enough to shake the strongest nerves, especially after 
what occurred last night, and I thank God that you 
have escaped more terrible danger.” 

I then gave the trembling patient a glass of canary 

523 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


sack, a flask of whicli I kad fortunately brought with 
me, and, leading him to our little cabin on board the 
yacht, told him to lie down, as I hoped a little refresh- 
ing sleep would calm his nerves. 

‘‘Father,^’ said Ernest, when I returned to examine 
the large booty he had secured, ‘‘this animal has made 
a discovery for us. He was digging for truffles, and 
there are quantities of them here. I thought at first 
they were potatoes: I have a few here to show you. 
Master Nip dug them up also, and ate a large quantity 
before I could stop him.^’ 

“This is a splendid discovery, Ernest,’’ I said, after 
examining the tubular root; “and, if I am not mis- 
taken, they are of the best species. You must obtain 
a supply to carry home to your mother.” 

The boys tasted these roots, and pronounced them 
similar to the common potato when raw, and not very 
palatable. 

“They are not generally cooked like potatoes,” I 
replied, “but are cut open and dried before they are 
used, in Europe.” 

“Are they found in all European countries!” asked 
Fritz. 

“Sometimes in oak forests, but the largest quanti- 
ties grow in France ; they are considered a great addi- 
tion to sauces and stews at the tables of the rich in that 
country. ’ ’ 

“Do they bear a flower, or have they a stem by which 
they can be recognized!” asked Fritz. 

“No; nothing appears aboveground, but their posi- 
tion is discovered by the odor, which is very powerful. 
To obtain a store for your mother you must take the 
dogs with you: they will find out the whereabouts of 
these roots. But now let us see what is to be done 
with the monster which has caused us so much alarm : 
it must not be left here for the dogs and the jackal to 
devour. ’ ’ 


524 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I made this remark because I could see that Fritz 
was anxious to assist with the preparation of the boar, 
and therefore unwilling to leave it till the next day. 

‘‘Well,’’ exclaimed Fritz, as we advanced closer to 
the monstrous animal, “this will he a good oppor- 
tunity to replace our Westphalia hams: the haunches 
of this creature will be of an enormous size.” 

The preparation of the boar, the removal of the 
skin, and the cutting up of the body into joints occu- 
pied nearly the whole day. 

Ernest requested that the head should be dried whole 
and preserved for our museum, to which I readily con- 
sented. The dogs and the jackal were feasted with 
the refuse. They were, however, employed by Ernest 
to discover the truffles, and obtained quite as many as 
he wished. 

Fritz broke off large branches from the trees, which 
he interlaced one with the other to form sledges, by 
which to carry our booty to the shore. In loading them 
I noticed among the truffles some roots of a different 
shape and color. On opening one I found it contained 
a ball of yellowish wool, which I knew was the produce 
of a tree growing in Nankin, a country of China, and 
much used in Europe for the manufacture of a material 
for dresses both of men and women.* 

I was greatly pleased with this discovery, as I knew 
my wife would be glad of the wool, to spin into thread 
and weave into a material so usefully cool for our 
dresses and her own. 

The dogs drew two of the tree sledges, and Fritz and 
Ernest the others, so that we reached the shore with 
our booty and carried it on board without any accident. 
Jack assisted in this work, for although he still looked 
pale and shaken, his long sleep had refreshed him. 

* Called Nankeen, and very fashionable at the time this story was 
written, but now out of date and almost forgotten. 

525 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


After our work was finished, we again stepped on 
shore, and lighted a fire between stones, as usual, to 
cook our supper. As soon as it was clear and glow- 
ing, we placed the potatoes in the hot ashes and some 
slices of the boar’s ham on the stones. I was glad 
to observe that Jack enjoyed his supper of fried ham 
and baked potatoes as greatly as the rest of us. 

Next morning I decided to start early on the home- 
ward voyage, for the flesh of the wild boar required to 
be salted and smoked as quickly as possible. Besides, 
we had been absent four days, and I knew the mother 
would be anxious. 

Another reason for this return presented itself. I 
was unwilling to hinder Fritz from attempting the dis- 
covery of the writer of the message, although I looked 
upon it as a wild scheme, and likely to fail. However, 
the yacht and the canoe could easily start together and 
by degrees we should lose sight of Fritz, without caus- 
ing any surprise to his brothers. 

We sailed, therefore, next morning at an early 
hour, and arrived, happily without accident, in De- 
liverance Bay, to the great joy of the mother and 
Frank, but the absence of Fritz I could see caused my 
wife some little uneasiness. Part of our adventures 
were hastily related, but we were so overcome with 
fatigue, that fuller particulars were deferred till the 
next day. 


526 


CHAPTEE XXXIX 

THE SEABCH FOE FEITZ — A VISITOE 

O UE adventures proved deeply interesting to the 
mother and Frank, but created some little anxiety 
in the mind of my wife, respecting the dangers we still 
incurred in these voyages and excursions. Our de- 
scription of the battle with the lioness, and the near ap- 
proach of the lion, his glaring eyes, and his frightful 
roar, filled her with apprehension. The account of 
Jack’s danger, when attacked and thrown down by the 
wild boar, made her tremble; and she could scarcely 
be induced to believe that he was uninjured, especially 
as he still looked pale. 

Frank mourned over the death of poor old Floss with 
true regret, while Ernest produced the epitaph he had 
written to be placed over her grave. 

I had not yet heard this effusion, and I asked him to 
read it aloud. It ran as follows: 

BENEATH IN THE COOL GROUND RESTS 

FLOSS, 

A FAITHFUL DOG, 

AND ALSO A TRUE FRIEND. 

BRAVE, STRONG, AND HEROIC IN THE HUNT 
FEARLESS ON THE BATTLE-FIELD, AND 
WATCHFUL FOR THE INTERESTS OF THOSE SHE SERVED, 

SHE MET HER DEATH 

from: the paw of a lion, which 

SHE HEROICALLY ATTACKED 
TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVED 
FROM A SIMILAR FATE. 

‘‘Capital, Ernest!” cried Jack: “that epitaph shall 
be placed on her grave as soon as possible. I’ll take 
care of that.” 


527 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


The flesh of the wild boar was, however, gladly re- 
served by the mother, as well as the truffles and the 
Nankin wool-pods. I had brought with me also a few 
seeds of this plant to be sown in the vegetable garden. 
The hams and other portions of the wild boar were 
salted quickly, and prepared for smoking ; a few parts 
only were saved to be eaten fresh. The head would 
have been a delicious dish, I knew, if baked in the Hot- 
tentot fashion; but I would not break my promise to 
Ernest that he should have it in his museum. 

I forgot to state that I had managed, before leaving 
the spot, to take off the skins of the lions, as I knew 
they would make beautiful mats for the feet in winter, 
if carefully cleaned and dressed. My wife, however, 
could not look at them yet without a shudder. These 
skins, with that of the wild boar and the head of the 
creature, were carried next day to our tannery work- 
shop in Shark’s Island. 

Five days passed, during which we worked hard at 
dressing the skins, but Fritz still remained absent. 
Our anxiety at length became so great, that I deter- 
mined to follow him, at least as far as Pearl Bay. 

My proposal created great satisfaction, and my wife 
readily agreed to be of the party, especially when I ex- 
plained to her that I intended to sail in the pinnace. 
With a large store of provisions, we embarked one 
fine morning with a favorable wind, and quitted the 
peaceful home of Rock House amidst joyous hurrahs 
and the barking of the dogs who accompanied us on 
board. We very quickly reached the entrance to 
Church River, as we had named the stream beneath 
the vaulted rocks, and passed through the opening, 
with such great force, however, that we came to a 
standstill suddenly, and then it seemed as if we had run 
aground on a sandbank. 

The sudden shock threw us all together on the deck, 
and I then believed we had struck upon some rocks, 
528 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


for some object in front seemed to bar our passage. 
All at once before our astonished eyes the obstruction 
dissolved into water. At the distance of a few paces 
we heard a great noise, and presently saw what ap- 
peared to be an immense waterspout rise in the air, and 
then fall in heavy showers like rain on the surface 
of the sea. 

‘^Father,” exclaimed Frank, who had been the first 
to recover from the shock, “is not that one of those 
waterspouts which are so dangerous to sailors 

“I do not think this is a waterspout, Frank,’’ I re- 
plied, “because it rose in two columns of water, and a 
real waterspout has the appearance of a pillar. As it 
sometimes bursts over a ship, it is of course a very 
dangerous object to meet.” 

I was about to express my opinion that what we had 
seen was caused by electricity, when another shock, 
though not so violent, induced me to believe that this 
time we were really aground. But the object against 
which we had struck was now evidently swimming, and 
looking out, I saw an ungainly mass floating near us, 
which I recognized as an enormous fish. 

I instantly prepared my little cannon, to be in readi- 
ness to fire at the monster when it again rose to the 
surface. In a few moments it reappeared, and two 
shots from the cannon took fatal effect. It struggled 
violently for some moments, then swam hastily to a 
sandbank, on which it sank, leaving a trail of blood 
on the foaming surface of the sea. I believed the crea- 
ture to be the cachalot whale, and I knew that the sup- 
posed waterspout was caused by the jets of water 
which these creatures throw into the air when they are 
angry. No doubt it had been sleeping on the water 
when we ran against it, and threw the jets from its nos- 
trils in a rage at being disturbed. 

I was anxious to examine it more closely, although 
my wife complained of the danger incurred by having 
529 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


anything to do with these monsters of the deep. I 
reasoned her at last into compliance, and we ap- 
proached the sandbank. 

The monster appeared to be at least forty feet long, 
and not quite dead, for he lashed the shallow water 
with his tail so violently, that he completely covered 
us with water and foam. We found it necessary and 
also merciful, therefore, to put him out of his misery, 
and the animal very soon breathed his last and moved 
no more. 

We were about to express our joy at this unexpected 
triumph, when another circumstance suddenly at- 
tracted our attention. At some distance we perceived 
a canoe, with, as we believed, a savage inhabitant of 
the country paddling along hastily towards us. As 
soon as he found himself observed, he disappeared 
behind a promontory. 

I was rather alarmed at the thought that he was 
gone to fetch others of his tribe ; we therefore re-loaded 
the cannon, got our arms and ammunition ready, and 
waited for his reappearance. 

It was not long before a canoe with a single rower 
again came in sight, and seemed also to be acting as a 
spy upon our movements. I then decided to hoist a 
white flag, as a token of our wish to be friendly, but in 
vain. This savage also disappeared, and presently 
one and then another showed himself on a point of land 
at a little distance, and then vanished. Once more 
the savage in the canoe presented himself. I therefore 
immediately seized my speaking-trumpet, and uttered a 
few words of our peaceful intentions in the Malay 
tongue, that I had learned from a book of travels, but 
with no result. 

At last Jack, who was becoming impatient, took up 
the speaking-trumpet, and pronounced, with great en- 
ergy, a few nautical words in English, which, however, 
appeared to be lost in the air. 

530 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


But not SO. In a few moments we saw the canoe 
approaching with the savage in it, paddling towards 
us, and a green bough fastened to the p,row. As it 
drew nearer a burst of laughter greeted the rower, 
for in the swarthy savage we recognized our own Fritz, 
who, with friendly signs and kisses, thrown to us com- 
ically from his hand, paddled swiftly towards the 
boat. 

In a very short time he reached the pinnace, and 
we took our brave boy on board, canoe and all, where, 
amid much laughter, he was fondly kissed and wel- 
comed, in spite of his blackened face. As soon as 
we allowed our traveler to speak, he promised to give 
us every explanation, which, he said, was impossible 
while questions and inquiries fell upon him in a storm 
on every side. 

At last I drew him apart, and asked, in a low voice, 
if his journey had been successful. 

^‘Yes, father,’^ he replied, ‘‘entirely so; and I have 
pleasant news for you.^^ 

I could not question my son further, as his mother 
drew near, and insisted that he should wash the dark 
stains from his face and hands, as she could not bear 
to look at him with that face so like a negroes. 

He went immediately to comply with her request; 
and after washing his face and rubbing it with almond 
powder, the young European was no longer a negro, 
and stood once more before us in his own person. 

His first question related to the firing he had heard 
near the entrance to the bay. 

“I was much alarmed,’’ he said; “for I never sup- 
posed you would put out to sea in your pinnace now 
she is rigged so like a yacht, and I imagined, therefore, 
that it was a strange vessel with two guns similar to 
ours. ’ ’ 

Thereupon I explained our adventure with the cach- 
alot whale, which greatly interested him. I then 
531 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


asked if he could recommend a suitable spot in which 
to cast anchor. 

“Oh, yes,’’ he replied, in a mysterious tone; “there 
is a pretty little island not far from here. I will lead 
you to it at once.” 

I smiled at his eagerness as he lowered his canoe into 
the sea again, while his mother and brothers looked on 
in surprise, and wondered what great discovery he had 
made which he was about to show us. 

He unfurled the sails of the yacht, ran up the rig- 
ging, drew the ropes, and, telling me which way to 
steer, sprang lightly from the boat to his canoe, and 
led the way, like a pilot, to a picturesque little island 
in Pearl Bay. 

During this little voyage I had only just time to give 
the mother some account of the message which Fritz 
had found tied to the leg of the albatross, and the reply 
he had sent back by the same messenger. I wished 
also to explain the object of his recent absence, and the 
happy result of his enterprise, so that she might be 
prepared for the appearance of the young English girl, 
who, no doubt, was on the island to which he was lead- 
ing us. 

“Why did you not tell me this before?” she asked; 
and I could see how much the news had startled her. 

“I was unwilling to raise hopes that might not be 
realized,” I replied; “but now, happily, there is no 
longer need for concealment.” 

The boys evidently suspected something, but I said 
not a word to them. 

“Let this young English girl make her own way,” I 
said to myself. “If she is worth anything, she will 
easily do that.” 

We anchored on the shores of a little island, near a 
beautifully situated wood, and Fritz immediately 
landed, followed by myself and his brothers, who as- 
sisted the mother to reach the shore. 

532 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I saw the young men glance with great curiosity at 
a little cavity between the branches of a tall palm-tree, 
which appeared to have been used as a resting-place. 

Before it on the shore stood a fire-hearth, constructed 
of pebbles, and in the center of the fire, instead of a 
saucepan, was placed a beautiful, but gigantic, mussel- 
shell. 

Fritz was in advance of us, looking earnestly into 
the wood, and as if he scarcely noticed that we had 
landed. 

Presently he raised his voice and shouted, as one 
sailor shouts to another, 

‘‘Ho! hallo there, up aloft!’’ 

We heard a rustling in the tree, and presently there 
appeared, gliding lightly down the stem, instead of a 
young girl, a beautiful youth, dressed in a rough shirt 
and a tunic of skins. 

The young stranger, on seeing us, stood still, looking 
greatly embarrassed, and we were also too much taken 
by surprise at first to speak. 

Fritz came to the rescue. Taking off his plumed hat, 
he led the young lad to his mother, and exclaimed, 

“Let me introduce to you, my mother, the young 
Lord Edward Montrose. Will you not welcome him as 
a friend and a brother to our family circle!” 

Without a moment’s hesitation we hastened to offer 
our earnest welcome to the timid stranger, whose man- 
ners were so refined and gentle, that he won our hearts 
at once. 

As the head of the family, I advanced, and, taking the 
hand of the forsaken youth, promised him my friend- 
ship and protection. He replied timidly in a few 
words, and then turned to the mother, as if asking for 
her motherly care. 

My wife and I guessed rightly that Fritz would not 
wish to betray the sex of the stranger to his brothers 
while she wore this rude attire. The young men 
533 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


were, however, at once attracted by the young lad, 
and overjoyed at the prospect of a new companion. 
Even the dogs welcomed his appearance, and frolicked 
round him joyfully. My sons ran hastily to the yacht 
and the canoe for the camp-table, and camp-stools, 
and other necessary articles of crockery and table ap- 
pliances, rather before the regular supper-hour, for on 
this occasion they determined to prepare a royal feast 
as a welcome to the visitor. 

The mother, also, was not in the least sparing of her 
supplies, and seemed ready not only to employ her skill 
in preparing a rich repast, but also to make some de- 
licious dishes with almonds, raisins, and cassava cakes 
sweetened with sugar. In assisting the mother, how- 
ever, during these performances, the young Edward 
nearly betrayed his sex by the knowledge he displayed; 
but the young men were still deceived ; and some flasks 
of our best mead and a bottle of canary sack added to 
the feast, rendered them almost boisterous in the gayety 
of their spirits. 

The appearance of a human being of any descrip- 
tion, after so many years of isolation from our fellow- 
creatures, would of itself create excitement; but this 
gentle, modest, silent youth, who had been thus mys- 
teriously discovered, was in himself so charming, that 
I could quite understand their anxiety to make him 
feel himself at home with them. 

When I considered it advisable, however, to give the 
signal for retiring, the stranger rose at once to proceed 
to his home in the tree; but he was prevented by my 
wife, who had prepared a more agreeable night’s lodg- 
ing on board the yacht, and without a word he followed 
her. 

My sons having lighted the watch-fires, seated them- 
selves round them to discuss the event of the evening 
and a number of pineapples, while with strong curi- 
osity questioning Fritz. 


534 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘Whatever induced you to go in search of a 
stranger?’^ asked Frank, “or, at least, how did you 
know where to find himT’ 

Fritz, in reply, ^t once readily related his adventure 
with the albatross, described the message which was 
tied to^ its leg, and all that had occurred since, from 
beginning to end; hut he so mixed up the name of 
Jenny with that of Lord Edward Montrose, that his 
brothers began to suspect something of the truth. A 
question from Jack settled the matter. 

‘ ‘ Did you not understand the Malay words, Fritz 1 ’ ’ 

“Yes,^’ he replied; “but they alarmed me still more, 
for my head was full of Malay pirates, the young Ed- 
ward having told me that they infested this coast. But 
when I heard those English nautical terms, I believed 
it was an English vessel coming in search of Miss 
Jenny, and I — ’’ 

‘ ‘ Ha ! ha ! ha ! ’ ’ laughed the boys merrily ; and Ernest 
exclaimed, 

“You have betrayed your secret, Mr. Frederick: 
your young lord is transformed into a young lady, and 
our new brother into a gentle and amiable sister. Long 
live Miss Jenny 

Fritz was for a moment disconcerted, hut soon re- 
covered himself, and joined heartily in the joyous 
cheers of his brothers, till I at length reminded them 
that it was time to retire to rest for the night. 

I related to my wife the discovery made by our 
younger boys, and on rising next morning she arranged 
some of her own attire, by a little alteration, to suit 
the young English girl who had been thus thrown upon 
her motherly care and tenderness. She provided her 
with a comb to smooth out her long golden tresses, 
which had, on the evening previous, hung loosely on 
her shoulders, giving her, in a boy’s dress, the appear- 
ance of a youth of fourteen, and then presented her to 
the family in her real character. 

535 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


The young men came forward at once to address her 
as ^‘Miss Jenny, feeling half inclined to joke her on 
the deception she had practiced upon them; but she 
looked so gentle and ladyhke, and blushed so painfully, 
that they changed their tactics, and treated her with 
brotherly kindness and respect. 

For breakfast Fritz had made some chocolate for 
Jenny, who had been accustomed to it in her native 
country; and after we had finished, I was preparing 
myself to hear some account of the young stranger, 
and also from Fritz a description of his adventures and 
doings during the five days of his absence. But he set 
aside my curiosity by reminding me that the cachalot 
whale must not be allowed to remain under the burn- 
ing sun, if we wished to obtain anything from it. 

‘‘Is any part of it edible F’ asked Ernest. 

“I think not,” I replied; “but, like other whales, it 
is useful for its oil, as well as for a beautiful white 
waxy substance, known as spermaceti, found in the 
enormous head, and which sometimes furnishes as 
much as twenty tons. This will be very useful to us, 
as it makes beautiful candles. My only trouble will 
be to find vessels enough to carry it away.” 

Then Jenny said modestly, “We use hempen sacks 
in England. Would you not try them? They would 
certainly carry the spermaceti, I think.” 

This idea appeared so feasible that I had all our 
sacks emptied, and after being well beaten on a flat 
stone to thicken them, they were placed on board the 
yacht, the young men following with the two dogs 
and the jackal. Fritz, however, accompanied us in his 
canoe. 

We were not long in reaching the sandbank, where 
the monster lay drying in the sun ; but no sooner were 
we alongside than the dogs. Brownie and Fawn, rushed 
towards it, and, before we could reach the spot, such 
howling, barking, and snarling were heard behind the 
536 


# 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

stranded fish, that we fe^tred the dogs had met with 
some dangerous enemies, 

We arrived in time to see a troupe of wolves dis- 
puting fiercely with our dogs their right to the prey. 
Two of the wolves already lay dead on the sand, and 
two others were being held firmly by the dogs : the rest 
had fled. We also recognized among the wolves a few 
jackals. 

At this moment our tame jackal, which had remained 
close to Jack hitherto, suddenly caught sight of his 
fellows. Instinct was too strong for him: he started 
forward with a bound to join them, quite disregarding 
the calls or commands of his master. 

Fritz would have fired at the deserter, but I pre- 
vented him from doing so, because I feared that the 
mother and the young stranger, whom we had left on 
the island, would be alarmed if they heard firing. 
Meanwhile, the wolves had been vanquished by our 
brave body-guard, who returned to us, however, rather 
the worse for the strife, with bleeding wounds and ears 
greatly torn. Jack took charge of them, and, after 
awhile, I saw with satisfaction that the poor animals 
were licking each other ’s wounds, which I knew would 
prove a far better remedy than any salve. 

The way being now clear, I seized one of the sacks, 
and held it open near the head of the creature, while 
Fritz mounted the slippery side of the mountain of 
flesh, and with one blow of his hatchet laid open the 
skull; and by using a scoop, I quickly filled the sacks 
one after another with a good store of spermaceti. 
These we carried on board the yacht, with the four 
dead wolves, and returned to the little island a short 
time before the dinner-hour. The mother and Jenny 
had provided for us a most excellent repast during our 
absence. 

I intended on the afternoon of this day to take the 
skin from the wolves, and in this I required help from 
537 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


all the boys. Jack, however, was anxious to reclaim 
his jackal, and Fritz wished to carry the bags of sper- 
maceti to Shark’s Island in his canoe. I was, there- 
fore, rather in a difficulty. 

‘‘I will recover the jackal,” said Jenny, with a smile, 
‘‘if Fritz will lend me his canoe to-morrow. I am not 
afraid of going alone,” she added: “when you hear 
my history you will understand why. I shall only re- 
quire some pieces of a wolf’s skin.” 

I was surprised at this daring spirit in so young a 
girl, but I agreed to her proposal willingly, for I could 
see that my younger sons were inclined to treat the 
matter as a joke. However, Jack remained at the is- 
land with his two brothers to assist me in skinning the 
wolves, while Fritz started in his canoe to carry the 
bags of spermaceti to Shark’s Island. 

During the evening and part of the night Jenny was 
employed in the cabin with the mother in cutting out 
and making for the jackal a muzzle of the pieces of 
wolf’s skin. She rose early, and after breakfast was 
provided with a flask of fresh water and a basket of 
provisions. Fritz wished to assist her, but she sprang 
lightly on board the canoe unaided, and paddled out 
into the bay with a cleverness and ease that surprised 
us all. 

On reaching the sandbank, as she told us afterwards, 
she passed round it at first, and landed on the banks of 
the stream near the wood, but there appeared no signs 
of the jackal. She had brought with her from the 
canoe meat and water to tempt him, and at last she 
stood still, and, raising her voice, called “Hunter! 
Hunter!” in gentle and friendly tones; then she wan- 
dered from point to point at a little distance, and called 
his name again. 

Presently she saw the poor animal slowly approach- 
ing, and looking almost dead with hunger. She threw 
him a piece of sopped biscuit, still cautiously ap- 
538 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


preaching nearer, and at last placed before him some 
pemmican moistened with water in a calabash-shell. 
While he was eating it with famished eagerness, she 
threw round his neck a piece of cord, speaking kindly 
to him all the time, and then, still holding the end of 
the cord, filled the calabash-shell with water, which he 
drank eagerly. It was not difficult after this to place 
the muzzle on his nose and lead him to the canoe. He 
submitted without a struggle ; indeed, he seemed to be 
fascinated with his new mistress, and even allowed her 
to tie his hind legs loosely together and place him be- 
fore her on the deck of the canoe. 

All this occupied time, and it was not until nearly 
noon that we espied the canoe approaching. As it 
drew nearer we all stood on the shore and saw the little 
maiden paddling bravely towards the land, with the 
jackal seated gravely in front of her like a regular 
passenger, and looking so comical with his new muzzle, 
that the canoe was received on reaching the land with 
shouts of laughter. 

Hunter was quickly released from his muzzle and his 
bonds, and, indeed, appeared so humbled and ashamed 
of himself, that we had no doubt he had been scouted 
by his own species and left to starve. 

At all events, the young English girl was loaded 
with thanks and congratulations by us all, and we felt 
that in our isolated position we could not have met 
with a companion so suitable as a daughter and sister 
as Jenny Montrose. 


539 


CHAPTEE XL 

THE ADVENTUEES OF FKITZ — JENNY HISTOEY 

I NOW became anxious to return to Rock Castle, but 
before doing so it was necessary to visit the spot, 
near the burning mountain, at which Jenny had left 
all she had saved from shipwreck. 

I felt also that this was the time to hear an account 
of the adventures of Fritz during his five days^ ab- 
sence, and also a little of the history of this young 
girl, whom we were anxious to receive as a dear daugh- 
ter and sister. 

After dinner, therefore, on the day of the jackal’s 
return, we seated ourselves on the shore to listen to 
Fritz. Jenny retired to her little recess near the tree 
with a book Ernest had lent her. She shrank from 
hearing a description of herself and her doings, and 
judged rightly that Fritz would speak more freely 
during her absence. 

‘‘You will remember,” he began, “that when I pad- 
died away from the boat, I intended to proceed at once 
towards the open sea in my fragile canoe. I was full 
of energy, but conscious of danger, and agitated with 
a thousand fears respecting the safety of this poor 
shipwrecked English girl. Still, I was hopeful of suc- 
cess, and did not lose courage ; and after commending 
myself to the care of Providence, I became more hope- 
ful, and full of the idea that, if I dared this expedition, 
it might lead to association with our species, and per- 
haps furnish the means of our leaving this isolated po- 
sition. 

‘ ‘ On reaching the open sea, the wind, although light, 
came from a quarter likely to carry me among danger- 
540 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ous rocks if it blew with greater force. I had, how- 
ever, scarcely reached Pearl Bay when a gale arose, 
which threatened to drive me on the rocky shore I 
dreaded, and I dared not, therefore, venture farther 
out to sea, lest the waves should overpower my little 
skiff. Towards evening the wind lulled, and I thanked 
God on my knees for my preservation. 

could not, however, venture on shore, but I found 
a corner for the canoe beneath an overhanging rock, 
sufficiently protected from the wind, as well as inac- 
cessible to wild beasts; and here, on a heap of sand 
and broken rocks, between two large stones, I slept 
peacefully, after eating my supper of cold meat, for 
I feared to light a fire either for supper or breakfast, 
lest it should attract savages to the spot. 

“I had a refreshing night, even on my hard couch; 
and on rising next morning, with lighter spirits, found 
myself near a coast quite unknown to me. I still kept 
close inshore, examining the summit of every elevation 
of rock or hill, with the hope of discovering some signs 
of a volcano. 

‘‘The coast was sandy and barren, but I could see 
outlines of thick forests in the distance ; and as I drew 
nearer, I noticed that the boughs and lower stems were 
covered with a wonderful growth of creeping plants. I 
took these creepers for pepper-plants, for a large num- 
ber of toucans, or pepper-birds, who feed on this fruit, 
surrounded the canoe. 

“I ceased paddling now and then for awhile, to watch 
these birds, which were lively and even playful in their 
movements. They would break off the little pepper- 
grapes, throw them in the air, and catch them most 
cleverly in their open beaks. 

“Very shortly after this I found myself in a vast 
extent of ocean, although really a bay, and in one point 
an arm of the sea ran inland from it. This I deter- 
mined to explore. 


541 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘After remarking that the tide had just turned, 
and would carry me onward for some distance, I rested 
my paddle, and gave myself up to the enjoyment of 
the splendid scenery which lay spread out on both 
sides of the stream. At length, to my surprise, I dis- 
covered that this beautiful country was not only oc- 
cupied by birds of varied plumage, which made the air 
melodious with their songs, but by elephants, hip- 
popotami, and even glistening serpents. 

“On making this discovery, I paddled quickly away 
for miles, in spite of the heat, before I could find a 
spot on which it appeared safe to land. 

“After some hours I came upon a calm and peaceful 
country, where no sound disturbed the stillness but the 
twitter of birds, the humming of bees, and the rushing 
of a waterfall from the distant rocks. 

“Here I landed, and, finding a number of fine oysters 
on the beach, I lighted a fire, and cooked some for my 
supper; then, mooring my canoe to a large stone, and 
pushing it from the shore, I determined to sleep on 
board, as the safest place. 

“Next morning I awoke early, and, with a thankful 
heart, proceeded on my way till about noon, when, feel- 
ing tired, I determined to land near a little wood, in 
which a great number of parrots kept up a tremen- 
dous chattering and screaming. 

“Here, as all appeared safe, I released my eagle, un- 
covered his eyes, and set him free to find his own break- 
fast and mine. He very soon returned with a parrot, 
which I gave him for himself, and then fired among 
the trees, where I had observed many larger birds than 
parrots, which I thought would be agreeable eating. 

“Two fell, and while picking them up 1 heard be- 
hind me a rustling among the trees, like the movements 
of a sea-crab or a turtle. I turned at the sound, and 
saw, with a sinking heart, an enormous tiger, at not 
more than ten or fifteen paces distance from me! It 
V 542 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


was too late to run, for with one bound he could have 
reached me. 

‘‘For a moment I stood motionless; and then upon 
the tiger’s head pounced the eagle, dazzling the beast 
with his broad flapping wings, and fiercely attacking 
his head with his beak and claws. 

“I took courage. The tiger, too much engaged in 
defending himself, did not notice me. I saw he was in 
my power, and, approaching nearer, shot him through 
the head. But I could scarcely rejoice over my vic- 
tory, for in his fall the eagle, whose talons were em- 
bedded in the tiger’s skin, fell with him, and was 
crushed to death beneath the animal’s weight. 

“I lifted the remains of my faithful pet from under 
the monster, and with tears carried it to the canoe, 
feeling that his last act had been his greatest, for he 
had saved my life at the expense of his own. I have 
brought him home to be stutfed, and placed in our 
museum. ’ ’ 

This account of the eagle’s death pained us all 
greatly, although the excitement caused by the new ar- 
rival had so occupied us, that the creature’s absence 
had been unnoticed. No remark, however, was 
made to interrupt Fritz, who continued his narra- 
tion. 

“I quitted the place in sadness, being too anxious 
to continue my journey to spare time for skinning the 
tiger, whose striped fur was very beautiful; yet, as I 
paddled on, I was conscious of a feeling of discourage- 
ment^ and I had almost made a determination to turn 
back and give up attempting to discover the sender 
of the message, when suddenly a number of lofty rocks 
appeared in the distance, and from one of the peaks 
rose a slight wreath of fire-tinged smoke through the 
clear air. 

“The sight filled me with new life. I paddled for- 
ward with all my strength, and at length reached the 
543 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


base of the mountainous rock, which rose from the 
center of a small but fertile island. 

‘‘I paddled for some distance along the coast before 
I could discover a suitable landing-place, for the slopes 
of the rock extended in some points to the water’s 
edge. At last I reached a shingly beach, spreading in- 
land for some distance, and bounded on the right by 
a little forest that clothed the mountain’s side. I 
sprang on shore like another William Tell, when he 
escaped from the tyrant Gesler to be the savior of our 
country, and after walking for a little distance, I came 
suddenly on a bend in a chain of rocks, and the next 
moment beheld, with joyful astonishment, the first 
human being I had seen for many years besides those 
of my own family, — a youthful figure dressed like a 
boy, who was seated near the foot of a burning rock 
by which I had been guided. 

‘‘At last, when within a few paces, I said with deep 
emotion, in English, 

“ ‘Welcome, shipwrecked daughter of England! I 
am come to rescue you. God in His mercy has helped 
me to find you, and answer your appeal for aid.’ 

“I have often feared that my pronunciation of these 
English words made them difficult to be understood. 
However, after awhile Jenny seemed to comprehend, 
and at last she spoke to me in French, as she does 
now to us all ; but she was so agitated and timid, that 
I could scarcely make her aware of the change that 
awaited her in this lonely spot. 

“I was myself almost too much overcome to explain; 
but at length we became more composed, and able to 
ask questions and make replies that were very satis- 
factory. 

“I seated myself by her side, and told her of our own 
shipwreck, and how my parents, three brothers and 
myself, had lived on an uninhabited island for ten 
years, had cultivated the land, and made homes of our 
544 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


own, and had now sheep and cattle and poultry in abun- 
dance. 

‘‘She seemed quite surprised at this recital, and 
scarcely able to believe it; and yet, as she told me, 
she had made herself a nest in the thick branches of 
a tree in the forest, and that the things she had saved 
from the wreck were stowed away in a grotto near 
where we sat. 

“ ‘I am wearing these boys’ clothes,’ she said, 
blushing, ‘because I can climb the tree better, and 
move about more freely, while I am alone ; but, before 
you take me to your relations, I must change my 
dress.’ ” 

“And did she tell you about herself or her relations, 
Fritz?” I asked, “or anything of the ship in which 
she was wrecked?” 

“Oh, yes, my father: she told me that her father, a 
major in an English regiment, had been in India for 
many years; that she had lost her mother when only 
seven years old.” 

But we heard in time the history of this young girl, 
which shall here be related. After the death of his 
wife, the major’s pride in his dearly loved and only 
child made him determine, not only to take charge of 
her education himself, but to bring her up to ride like 
an Amazon, and even to be accustomed to the use of 
firearms, — in short, to be fit for any society, and yet 
able to act with courage and self-help in case of peril or 
reverse of fortune. 

“The natural aptitude of Miss Montrose made her, 
with this training, a self-controlled, accomplished girl, 
even at the age of seventeen, and as clever in the man- 
agement of a gun and a horse as in more womanly ac- 
complishments. 

“About this time Major Montrose was promoted to 
the command of a detachment of soldiers in the service, 
who were going to Europe in a transport ship of war, 
545 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

with a number of invalided soldiers. Of course his 
only daughter could not accompany him on board a 
man-of-war to England, and as the major was unwill- 
ing to leave her behind in India, he took a passage for 
her in a fast-sailing passenger-ship, and entrusted her 
to the care of his friend Captain Grreenfield, who com- 
manded the ship ; so that he hoped his daughter would 
arrive in England, under proper care, as soon as him- 
self. 

^‘Miss Montrose, therefore, went cheerfully on board 
the corvette Boreas, under the care of Captain Green- 
field, and sailed two days before her father from the 
Hooghly, at the mouth of the Ganges. 

‘^The voyage for the first few days was very pleas- 
ant and prosperous, but the appearance of a French 
frigate* and a frightful storm drove the Boreas far 
out of her course, and prevented her from reaching 
the harbor of the island of Batavia, as the captain had 
hoped to do. 

‘‘Driven still farther eastward by stormy and ad- 
verse winds, the ship at last struck on a rock on the 
northern coast of New Guinea, and the sailors and 
passengers had only time to throw themselves into the 
boats on an unknown sea, and endeavor to find a shore 
on which to land in safety. But the boats were soon 
separated in the darkness of night, and the one con- 
taining Jenny Montrose became a complete wreck on 
the rocks which surrounded our lonely island, and, 
strange to say, the young girl was the only one who 
escaped with life. 

“She described to me,’^ continued Fritz, “her re- 
covery from the insensibility which had been caused 
by the fierceness with which the waves had dashed her 
on the shore; and after rousing hers.elf, and at once 
submitting to circumstances, she determined to search 
on the lonely shore for the means of nourishment to 

* England and France were at this period at war, 

■546 



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SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


keep her alive, for she still hoped that the boat had 
been saved, and would return for her. 

‘‘A few articles washed on shore, some of which 
were her own, and a sailor’s chest or locker, contain- 
ing, among other useful things, a tinder-box* and 
matches, were very acceptable. She could now light 
a fire and prepare her own food, which consisted of 
fish, oysters, mussels, and fruit of several kinds. The 
rude boy ’s dress, which she had hastily assumed wh^n 
the ship struck, she still wore, as you know, father, 
when we found her. 

Being a good swimmer, she knew it was a more 
safe dress, in case of danger on the sea, than female 
attire. Indeed, she assured me that, had she not 
been able to swim when the boat was capsized, nothing 
could have saved her. Yet most of all is Jenny thank- 
ful that God in His great mercy not only saved her life, 
but sent the wounded albatross, to be tended and cared 
for till it was well enough to carry a message to those 
who could rescue her.” 

It was midnight before all this account of Jenny 
Montrose and her rescue was finished. She had passed 
us, with a pleasant good night, on the way to her sleep- 
ing-berth on board the yacht, and we all rose to retire 
to rest, full of gladness at this addition of a dear 
daughter and sister to our family circle. 

At breakfast next morning we assembled with the 
feelings of near relationship to the young English 
stranger, and more than ever anxious to take her to 
our home at Eock Castle. I also wished her to look 
upon my wife and myself as her parents till we could 
communicate with Major Montrose. 

I asked her if she could remember the date of the 
shipwreck, but she had not kept account of the days 
and weeks as they passed on that lonely island. 

Fritz asked her how long a time had elapsed before 

* Before lucifer matches were even thought of. 

547 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


the albatross returned with our message in answer 
to hers. 

exclaimed Jenny, was getting quite sad 
and despairing when the bird returned with those 
words in English, ‘Trust in God, help is at hand,’ 
fastened to his leg. I was beginning to feel as if I was 
the only human being in the world, and that I was left 
all alone among the rocks to die ; but I shall never de- 
spair again, for I have learnt to trust Him always. 
Besides, has He not given me new parents and broth- 
ers, whom I can love and trust? And I hope I shall 
prove as useful and childlike to them as they can wish. ’ ’ 

“Dearest, much-valued daughter!” I exclaimed, 
“you cannot be more thankful for meeting with us 
than we are at being able to save you. A dear little 
helper you will be to us, my daughter, and doubly 
welcome as long as you remain with us on that ac- 
count. ’ ’ 

“Perhaps, dear Jenny,” said the mother, “you may 
be happier here, as a member of our little colony, than 
in a world overladen with a host of cares in every class 
of society. At all events, I am rejoiced to have found 
a daughter who is so able and willing to help me in my 
advancing years, and be to me truly as a daughter. ’ ’ 

When we had finished breakfast, all was bustle and 
haste : the provisions and articles useful at meals were 
quickly carried on board, with Jenny’s box and other 
things brought from the cave under the burning rock; 
Fritz hastened to prepare his canoe ; while his brothers 
hoisted sail on board the pinnace, and got everything 
in readiness for the voyage. 

We started early. The morning was delightful, the 
sea calm, excepting for a slight ripple, caused by the 
gentle breeze which carried us towards our colony, and 
I determined to proceed towards the promontory of 
False Hope, and land first at Prospect Hill, which we 
reached before sunset. 


548 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Witli great astonishment Jenny had observed our 
watch-tower, with its guard-house, cannons, and flag, 
on the heights of Shark ^s Island, near which we passed. 
But her delight was still greater when we landed at 
Prospect Hill, and proceeded through the farm and 
plantations to our Kamschatka summer-house in the 
trees. In front of it she paused, and exclaimed, 
‘‘Why, this is Fairyland! I can scarcely believe it 
is true.’’ 

But when seated at supper in the cool tent which we 
erected, Jenny found it all true, and retired with the 
mother to the dwelling in the tree to rest, feeling as if 
a new life had been opened to her even on a desert isle. 
I and the boys lighted our watch-fires, and slept peace- 
ably in the tent. 


549 


CHAPTER XLI 

THE WELCOME AT KOCK HOUSE — CONCLUSION 

N ext day the young men led their new sister to the 
farm at Wood Grange. Her pleasure at once 
more beholding a beautiful landscape and noble trees, 
as well as verdant meadows, was almost childlike in 
its earnestness. She was equally delighted with the 
domestic animals in our farm — the sheep and cattle 
grazing in the meadow, the goats with their kids, the 
pigs, the fowls, the turkeys, guinea-hens, ducks, and 
geese filled her with wonder when found on an island 
which ten years before had been uninhabited. 

Jenny Montrose was a lover of animals, and this 
fact was quickly discovered by them, while she petted 
and coaxed them, and made as much fuss as a little 
maiden over a New Year’s gift of a doll. 

After looking all over the farm we again set sail, 
leaving Falcon’s Nest for another visit, proceeded at 
once to Whale Island, the two young men, Fritz and 
Frank, remaining behind to carry out plans of their 
own. 

The rabbits on this island greatly pleased our young 
visitor. I told her she must now look upon them as 
her own property, and that I hoped she would soon 
have time and inclination to prepare and weave their 
silky hair for her own use. 

After leaving Whale Island we steered towards De- 
liverance Bay, and on feaching the entrance a grand 
salute of twelve shots reechoed from rock to rock. 
Ernest, however, was not quite satisfied : he thought it 
should have been thirteen. He had read, he said, that 
a salute of honor should always be in odd numbers. I 
550 


SWISS^ FAMILY ROBINSON 

therefore gave him permission to follow that rule in 
our answer from the pinnace. 

While passing Shark’s Island we saw Fritz and 
Frank coming to meet us in the canoe. They were 
soon alongside, and Fritz, in a loud voice, hailed us and 
exclaimed, 

‘^In the name of the whole colony of this island we 
hid you welcome to Eock Castle, and we regret that we 
have not had the honor of your companionship in this 
voyage, but pur duties at the castle have rendered it 
impossible. ’ ’ 

We were greatly amused at all this, but the joke was 
not forgotten, as Fritz turned the canoe and piloted us 
through the bay to our usual landing-place. The 
young men sprang on shore, and stood ready to assist 
the mother and their visitor with true politeness. Then 
they turned and led the way to Eock Castle, through the 
gardens, orchards, and shrubberies which lay on the 
rising ground that rose gently to our dwelling. 

Jenny’s surprise was at its height as she passed 
these signs of cultivation, but it changed to wonder as 
she gazed on the frontage of the castle in the rocks, 
with its broad balcony, its fountains, its large pigeon- 
houses, and the umbrageous foliage that crept over 
columns and roof. 

My surprise and my wife’s equaled the young girl’s 
when I saw a table laid out in the veranda with every 
article, new or old, European or the production of 
the island. Home-made china, bamboo and cocoa-shell 
vessels, glass tumblers, decanters, spoons, and forks, 
from the captain’s chest, were upon the table, but not 
empty. 

Canary wine and mead in flasks, splendid pineapples 
resting on green leaves, oranges in pyramids filled the 
china dishes, fresh milk from the cow stood in cala- 
bash bowls, while the center of the table was occupied 
by dishes containing cold fowl, ham, and dried fish; 
551 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


and at eacli end of the veranda was fastened a bird 
with outstretched wings, from our museum. Over 
the table was suspended a large piece of linen cloth, on 
which had been placed many-colored flowers, forming, 
in large letters, the following words: 

‘^Welcome to Jenny Montrose, and may blessings at- 
tend her entrance into the home of the Swiss Eobin- 
sons.’^ 

Almost too much overcome to speak in reply to this 
welcome, the young girl stood still till I took her hand 
and led her to a seat between the mother and myself, 
as the place of honor. Ernest and Jack also seated 
themselves opposite to us; but Fritz and Frank, who 
considered themselves the entertainers, would not sit 
down, but waited upon us with table napkins on their 
arms, carved the joints, poured out the wine, and 
changed the plates, like waiters at an hotel. So gravely 
and correctly did they fulfill the duties of their office, 
that we often forgot to continue our meal while looking 
at them. 

After dinner the young men took upon themselves the 
task of showing Jenny their beautiful Eock Castle, to 
the maiden ^s great wonder and delight. In the house 
and the cave, throng gardens and fields, to the winter 
stalls of the animals, the cart, sledge, and boat-houses, 
they led her with eager anxiety, not wishing to leave 
a single corner unnoticed. At last the mother, fearing 
the poor girl would be tired, went out and good-na- 
turedly relieved her from the services of these thought- 
less cavaliers, who were not a little disconcerted in 
consequence. 

On the following day we were all ready early, and 
after breakfast started to pay a visit to Falcon’s Nest. 
I considered it advisable for us all to go together, as 
some repairs and arrangements were sure to be nec- 
essary, which would detain us several days. 

Our beasts of burden were all at Falcon’s Nest: we 

552 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


had, therefore, to perform the journey on foot. Jack, 
however, mounted the ostrich, to the great amusement 
of J enny, and rode on quickly in advance. At the end 
of a quarter of an hour he returned with a troupe of 
animals, and amongst them the ox and the buffalo and 
the onager. ^ Nothing could induce Jenny to ride any 
of these animals, at least until she became more used 
to them, and had an opportunity of trying when they 
were not in a hurry. So the animals were driven back 
to their grass in great content. 

We found, as I expected, a great deal to do in re- 
pairs to our aerial castle and the stables for the ani- 
mals, for we had to be ready for the rainy season, which 
was drawing near. 

The young men were therefore busily engaged till 
the evening every day, but the mother had a sweet and 
useful companion in Jenny, who helped her in confec- 
tionery and needlework. She quickly, however, be- 
came accustomed to the beasts of burden, and allowed 
J ack to place her on his buffalo, which she soon learned 
to ride fearlessly. 

The work at Falcon’s Nest employed us a whole 
week, but it passed very pleasantly, although threat- 
ening clouds and now and then a shower drove us all 
to the shelter of our castle in the tree or to the gallery 
round it over the stables. The presence of the young 
girl and her gay talk were new to my boys, and seemed 
to inspire them with fresh energy. 

Before returning to Eock Castle we paid a visit to 
Wood Grange, to gather in a store of rice and other 
useful articles, especially straw for making mats and 
baskets, small canes for hurdles and hen-coops, to be 
made during our stay indoors while the rain lasted. 

On our return to Eock Castle we formed quite a pro- 
cession — beasts and birds, apes and dogs, carriages and 
baskets, and Jenny on the buffalo, with Fritz as her 
protector. Although it was pleasant as we rode along 
553 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


to observe tbe varied scenery of wood and meadow, 
rock and valley, and beyond all tbe great sea, yet we 
were glad when we arrived to be able to make every- 
thing ready in our winter home. Only just in time, 
however, for the rains very shortly commenced, and 
were accompanied by storms of thunder and light- 
ning. We again heard the roaring of the waves as they 
dashed against the shore, and knew by the howling 
winds that the season of winter and rain had com- 
menced. 

But this lonely period passed far more pleasantly 
than ever, thanks to dear Jenny, whose vivacity and 
accomplishments made our hours of recreation pass 
quickly. She taught us how to make mats, and 
even carpets, of plaited straw and rushes, while she 
amused us with tales of her life in England and In- 
dia. 

She induced me to recall memories of our own native 
land, and listened earnestly to our descriptions of 
Switzerland and its mountains and valleys. 

In the evenings, when we were all assembled, she as- 
sisted the boys in their study of the English tongue, 
and made them speak it so constantly, that Fritz in par- 
ticular, who had studied it alone, became quite pro- 
ficient. 

She already spoke French, so that she very soon ac- 
quired the S\. iss language, which so- much resembles 
it. In fact, this rainy season was a happy time; and 
when at last the sunshine of spring chased away the 
clouds, and the rain suddenly cleared, we could scarcely 
believe that so many weeks had elapsed since we had 
been first made prisoners. 

But the beautiful spring, and the duties it brought 
in field, orchard, and garden, aroused us to activity, 
and Jenny was quite ready to join us, or to assist the 
mother in her poultry-yard or kitchen. 

Fritz and Jack expressed a wish one morning to 

554 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


proceed to the heights of Shark’s Island, to examine 
the coast from our guard-house, and discover whether 
any signs of a wreck had been cast upon our shores 
during the season of storms. I advised them to search 
the horizon with the telescope, and also to fire two 
signal-guns, in case of a ship being in any position 
near us to require assistance. 

The shipwreck of Jenny’s ship so near our coast 
made us imagine it possible that a similar disaster 
might happen. 

The young girl, although she had learned to love us 
all, especially ‘‘mother,” as she called her, would yet 
sometimes express an anxiety to hear of her father. 
We had no means of doing so, excepting through a ship 
touching at the island, or approaching near it. 

The young men proceeded at once to the heights of 
Shark’s Island to carry out their wishes as well as my 
own. I was not then acquainted with the longing for 
their own country which the appearance of the little 
girl from Europe had created in the minds of two of 
my sons. 

Their astonished excitement may therefore be un- 
derstood when, after scanning the horizon and the coast 
without result, they fired two signal-guns, and the re- 
ports were answered from a distance westward by three 
distinct shots. 

The young men were at once overcome with a tumult 
of feelings — joy and anxiety, doubt and hope. They 
fell upon each other’s necks, and remained for some 
moments speechless. 

At last Fritz found words, and exclaimed, 

‘ ‘ There are human beings close at hand, J ack ! God 
has at last sent us the means of returning to our fa- 
therland. Let us at once go and tell our father. ’ ’ 

They reached the shore by the shortest way, and, 
jumping on board the canoe, rowed with all their 
strength to the beach, where I stood. 

555 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


“Wliat is itf What has happened T’ I asked, as I 
noticed their excitement. 

‘ ‘ Oh, father, father ! Have you not heard ? ’ ’ was the 
reply, as they rushed into my arms. 

I had not heard a sound, and I could not at all com- 
prehend the meaning of this agitation. 

^‘We heard three cannon-shots in answer to ours!^’ 
cried Fritz, rousing himself. 

‘‘The echo of your own,’^ I replied; for I could not 
imagine anything else possible. 

“No, father,’’ he said; “we have often heard the 
echo from our own firing, but not like this. The third 
report was too long after ours to be an echo. ’ ’ 

I knew not what to think of this information. I had 
never considered what I should do in the event of the 
arrival of a European ship. But was this a European 
ship, or Malay pirates,* or a ship with the crew and 
passengers in danger on some dangerous coast? I 
knew not. I therefore assembled my household, and 
we took counsel together, for it was a matter too im- 
portant to be settled with Fritz and Jack alone. 

Meanwhile night drew near, and we put oif all 
further discussion till the following day, and I then 
gave orders to my three elder sons to watch with me 
in turns, from hour to hour, in the veranda, and lis- 
ten during the still night air for any signal-gun. 

Although the first part of the night was calm, a storm 
arose about midnight, and the howling wind and pelt- 
ing rain-drops made it impossible to hear any sound. 

For two days and nights the storm raged, and not 
till the third morning broke, clear and bright, could I 
venture to our guard-house. Jack accompanied me, 
carrying a large flag, to be raised or lowered, as a sig- 

* In olden times ships that had a crew of robbers were called pirate 
vessels. These sea-robbers attacked richly-laden ships, and took all they 
contained, often killing the crew and passengers to enable them to do 
so. 


556 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


nal to those at home whether we had good news or were 
threatened with danger. 

The sea was still rough, but the air clear, and I de- 
cided at last that Jack should fire three times, and then 
listen for the reply, for I still had my suspicions that 
it was only the echo. J ack fired, leaving an interval of 
two minutes between each shot. 

We then listened attentively, and presently through 
the air came the boom of a distant cannon ; a pause of 
two minutes, and then a second and a third. Seven 
shots altogether sounded in our ears. 

Jack began dancing about like one inebriated, while 
I hastily raised the signal-flag, and waved the otfier 
brought by Jack over my head. 

Suddenly I remembered that we knew not whether 
the guns we had heard were fired by friends or ene- 
mies. 

‘^What a fool I have been to raise the flag,’^ I cried, 
‘‘and perhaps raise false hopes!’’ 

I instantly re-charged the guns, and, telling Jack to 
remain as sentinel, hastened back to Rock Castle. 

I found my household in a state of great agitation, 
and they came forward to meet me full of earnest in- 
quiry and curiosity. I explained the shots we had 
heard in reply, but I was obliged to tell the truth re- 
specting my fears ; and then I announced my intention 
of going in the boat with Fritz to explore the coast, 
and, if possible, discover the vessel. 

We took on board arms and sabers, with guns and 
pistols, to be used only in self-defense, and the har- 
poons to be carried as lances. We rowed away in si- 
lence from Deliverance Bay, and steered to the left 
round a rocky promontory that stretched far into the 
sea, which we had never yet passed. 

On reaching the extreme end of this point or cape, 
we found ourselves at the entrance of a little bay, and, 
cautiously advancing, we espied a large ship, evidently 
557 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


European, with the English flag flung at the masthead. 
Our hearts rose in earnest thankfulness to God at this 
discovery, but I still felt the necessity of caution. 

I could scarcely prevent Fritz from rushing into the 
sea — indeed, I felt almost inclined to do the same my- 
self; but I remembered that the Asiatic pirates often 
carried the flags of other nations, for purposes of their 
own. I however decided to venture nearer, and find 
out to whom the vessel really belonged. 

We rowed slowly forward, close within shore, exam- 
ining the stranger curiously. It appeared to me to be 
a small frigate, lightly laden, and with eight or ten 
tolerably large guns on each side. She lay at anchor 
at a distance from the land, as if for repairs, and on 
the shore we saw three tents, from which smoke arose, 
making us suppose it was the dinner-hour of the crew. 
Presently on deck appeared an officer in the uniform 
of the English navy, whom sharp-sighted Fritz consid- 
ered must be the captain. 

We immediately approached within hail of the ship, 
and in a moment the question came through the speak- 
ing-trumpet, 

‘^What are youP’ 

‘ ^ Englishmen, ’ ^ was the reply by Fritz in English. 

‘‘What shipT’ 

“No ship. We will come again. 

Without another word we turned away, and rowed 
quickly round the point. We had discovered that they, 
the strangers, were English ; that the vessel was a man- 
of-war frigate; and that now we could visit them on 
more equal terms, and offer them hospitality. 

This joyful news caused great excitement at home; 
and the mother advised that we should get the pinnace 
in readiness, and go in state to visit the English ship, 
and not as adventurers in a poor little canoe. 

This proposal was received with great acclamations. 
Jenny was unusually excited; indeed, we were scarcely 
558 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


able to sleep all night for thinking of the morrow’s 
voyage, when we should meet so many of our fellow- 
creatures, and perhaps learn news of the home we had 
lost for so many years. 

The pinnace was quickly prepared next morning, 
and bedecked with flags as for a joyful occasion; and 
before noon we were all on board, neatly attired, and 
with a fair wind steering towards the point beyond 
which was the bay in which the frigate lay at anchor. 

As we approached within a short distance, we hoisted 
the English flag. 

Great was the astonishment of the ship’s company 
as our pretty vessel proceeded proudly up the bay ; and 
when within gunshot of the frigate we dropped anchor, 
and greeted them from our deck with loud cheers. 

Fritz and I then stepped on board the boat of the 
pinnace, and rowed to the ship to pay our respects to 
the captain. He received us with great politeness, and 
after inviting us on board, led us to his cabin, and 
brought out some old Cape wine, in a most friendly 
manner. 

He then inquired to what good fortune he owed a 
visit from a gentleman carrying an English flag, and in 
such outlandish seas as these. 

I briefly explained the circumstances which had 
brought me to a neighboring island, and how for ten 
years I had struggled, with my wife and four sons, 
against difficulties which were happily overcome. I 
then mentioned the name of Jenny Montrose, and spoke 
of her father, now Sir William Montrose, and Captain 
Greenfleld, who was taking her to England, when his 
ship was wrecked not far from our island, with an ac- 
count of the young lady’s discovery. 

All the parties I spoke of were known to the captain, 
who told me his name was Littlestone, that he com- 
manded the frigate Unicorn^ and was on his way to 
the Cape of Good Hope with dispatches from New 
559 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 

South Wales. He had been driven by stress of weather 
on the coast, hoping to find a friendly port; but as none 
appeared, he had chosen this bay as a place of shelter, 
and had anchored here for a time, till the damage done 
to the ship might be made good. He had heard the 
shots, and answered them, and was pleased to find that 
they had been the means of leading us to visit the ship. 

Before leaving I invited the captain to visit my 
yacht, which he readily promised to do on the follow- 
ing day. ^ 

Accordingly, the next morning a man-of-war’s boat 
arrived with Captain Littlestone. He brought with 
him an invalid gentleman named Wolston, who, with 
his wife and two little daughters, aged ten and twelve, 
had been saved from a wreck and carried on board the 
frigate. 

Mr. Wolston had intended to proceed to the Cape 
and remain, where he hoped to recruit his health and 
strength, but on hearing an account of our territory 
from Captain Littlestone, he was anxious to be intro- 
duced to us. We received our visitors cordially, and 
poor Jenny seemed overjoyed at meeting one who knew 
her father. I presented the captain with two baskets 
of English and foreign fruit of our own cultivation, 
which to sailors who had seen no land for weeks was 
a great boon. It made him more than ever anxious to 
visit the island and see the gardens and orchards which 
could produce such fruit. 

We returned to our island after a stay of two days 
near the Unicorn^ and on the following day Fritz, in 
his canoe, sailed to the Unicorn to pilot the man-of- 
war’s boat, with the captain and Mr. Wolston, to our 
shores. Their surprise at all they saw on the island, 
as well as at the prosperous condition of our flocks and 
herds, was only equaled by the wonder they expressed 
at our dwellings, especially Eock Castle. 

Mr. Wolston, indeed, expressed a wish to remain with 

560 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


US on the island, if we could also receive his wife and 
two daughters. To this arrangement we both readily 
agreed, feeling naturally that the two girls, though 
young, would be companions for Jenny. 

‘‘And now. Miss Montrose,’’ said the captain, “what 
am I to do for you? I cannot offer to take you as a 
passenger in a man-of-war, as it is against the rules ; 
but as soon as I reach England I will inquire about 
your father, and no doubt a vessel will be sent to these 
shores to enable you all to return to your native coun- 
tries. T^at say you to that, my friend?” added the 
captain, addressing me. 

My wife and I had already talked the matter over, 
so I was ready at once to reply. 

“No, Captain Littlestone, I have no wish to leave 
this pleasant island, nor the homes which are the result 
of our own labor and industry, with the blessing of 
God, and my wife also tells me she is willing to live 
and die here ; but as to my sons — ” 

I paused, for I could see by the eager glances of 
Fritz and Jack what their answer would be. 

“Father,” said Fritz, “Jack and I have been long- 
ing for this opportunity of returning to Europe for 
years. May we have your permission? Mother,” he 
added, with deep emotion, “can you spare us?” And 
he rose and placed his arm round her neck, for although 
she had feared this result, yet she was scarcely pre- 
pared to realize it. 

“Talk it over, my friends — talk it over,” said the 
captain, “and let me know your decision before I sail, 
which will be no doubt in about a week.” 

And so it was arranged. The man-of-war’s boat 
was to bring Mr. and Mrs. Wolston and their two 
daughters in a few days, and the decision respecting 
our sons was to be sent back in a letter by the crew, 
unless the captain came himself, which was not un- 
likely. 


561 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


As I expected, Captain Littlestone came himself, 
and I was charmed with the little daughters of Mr. 
Wolston. I knew that their residence with us would 
incur great alterations, yet that was of no consequence 
when we considered the advantage of companionship 
for ourselves and our children. 

It was at last decided that when a ship came from 
England for Jenny Montrose, my two sons should ac- 
company her to that country. Then the captain ad- 
dressed me : 

‘‘My friend,’^ he said, “you have laid the founda- 
tion of a new colony among these islands. On reach- 
ing England I shall lay the matter before the Govern- 
ment, if you are willing to acknowledge that Govern- 
ment and to become subjects of the King of England.* 
The name I intend to propose for this colony will be 
New Switzerland. Do you approve of this title T’ 

My heart was too full to speak for a few moments, 
but at last I said, 

“The name will be an honor to me, and I shall be 
proud of being the subject, as a colonist, of the British 
realm.” 

This answer was received by my sons with shouts 
of approval, and the universal cry, ‘ ‘ Hurrah ! hurrah I 
New Switzerland for ever!” 

And then, with warm congratulations and hopes of 
meeting again, especially from my boys, the captain 
stepped on board the man-of-war ^s boat, and, amidst 
the hearty cheers of the sailors and the waving of 
handkerchiefs from the shore. Captain Littlestone 
sailed away from our island, standing up in the boat to 
wave his cocked hat in farewell to us all. 

Six months passed: the autumn was approaching; 
but, as yet, no ship had reached our shores. Great 
additions and alterations had been made in our dwell- 

* In 1814 George III. was King. 

562 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ings^ Several chambers were formed by encroaching 
upo:^ the interior of our salt cavern, to provide winter 
accommodation for Mr. Wolston and his family. While 
digging farther back in the cave, we, to our surprise, 
came suddenly on another opening in the rock, at the 
extreme end of the cave. 

With the help of my sons, and the assistance of Mr. 
Wolston, whose health had greatly improved, we 
formed at this part of the cave a dwelling similar to 
our own, and erected a veranda and pigeon-house: 
the former, at the end of the six months, was already 
covered with creeping plants. 

As to the ladies, they had spinning-wheels and weav- 
ing machines. They made linen and flannel and cloth 
from the wool of the sheep; they knitted stockings, 
made and mended our clothes, helped in the cooking 
— for we all took our meals together — and, in short, 
the younger ones were being trained by my wife to 
make useful and clever housekeepers.. 

The books and drawing materials brought by Min- 
nie and Lucy Wolston were a great advantage both to 
themselves and Jenny. The latter was able to sketch 
and paint landscapes and flowers from nature, and to 
teach the two girls what she knew herself. She had, 
however, more pupils in the rainy season, for, by the 
light of spermaceti candles, the young men could amuse 
themselves for hours with this pleasant accomplish- 
ment, under Jenny’s guidance. 

And so the six months wore away. The rainy sea- 
son was just over, when one morning Jack, who had 
been on the look-out for some time, heard a gun fired 
at sea. He rushed into the field, where I was busy 
with Fritz, exclaiming, 

‘‘Father, there is a signal-gun! did you not hear 
it!” 

“No,” I replied; but at that moment sounded the 
report of another. 


563 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


Fritz threw down his spade. 

‘‘Go and answer them, Jack,’’ he cried, as he ran 
towards the shore: “it is the English ship we expect; 
they want a pilot.” 

I was left alone with a full heart, and for a few min- 
utes was unable to move. These guns were a signal 
that I should lose my boys, and my adopted daughter. 
At last I turned towards Eock Castle, and found my 
wife sitting at work in the veranda. 

“It is come at last,” I said, sadly. 

“What has come?” she asked in a trembling voice. 

“The ship from England,” I replied. 

She turned very pale, and said presently, 

“It is God’s will: we cannot keep the young birds in 
the nest always. ’ ’ 

Louder and stronger reports aroused us, and my 
wife, rising, accompanied me to the shore, from which 
we could look across the bay. 

There in full sail came a stately ship, which pres- 
ently entered Deliverance Bay, and approached as near 
the shore as the depth of the water would allow. Then 
from the deck rose cheers, that were reechoed from 
the rocks, bringing Ernest, and Frank, and every in- 
mate of the dwelling to the spot on which we stood. 

“A ship from England!” exclaimed Jenny Mon- 
trose; “it is come for me. Oh, mother, mother! how 
can I leave you?” And she threw herself into the 
arms of the adopted mother whose love she had won. 

Ernest and Frank looked grave and were silent. 
Meanwhile, on the beach was a great commotion: the 
ship ’s boat was landing passengers, among whom were 
Jack and Fritz. 

“They are come for us, mother!” they exclaimed, 
as they approached ; but her pale face and tearful eyes 
checked their eager joy. 

“Father,” said Fritz, “here is the captain. He has 
brought letters for you and Miss Montrose.” 

564 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


I took mine quietly. One of them was evidently a 
Government dispatch, the others were from my friends 
in Switzerland. Jenny seized hers, and ran away to 
read it alone ; while my wife only had the presence of 
mind to invite the captain to our home, and offer him 
some hospitality. 

It proved as I expected. An English vessel, with 
emigrants to New South Wales, had been chartered to 
call at a bay in a certain latitude and longitude, but 
being rather alarmed at the appearance of the rocky 
coast, the captain had fired two signal-guns, in the 
hope of finding a pilot for his ship in these dangerous 
waters. He understood, he said, that he had to take 
back with him at least three passengers, a lady and 
two gentlemen, and as he should sail in three days, he 
hoped they would be ready to accompany him. 

The captain spent a pleasant evening with us, and 
promised to return on the morrow, and go over the 
estate with me. He congratulated me on the coloniza- 
tion of ‘‘New Switzerland,’^ and made himself alto- 
gether very agreeable. But it was only by a great 
effort that my wife, Fritz, and myself could converse 
or listen. 

We longed for an hour alone to talk over this sud- 
den separation, and both my wife and I felt sure that 
Fritz had another question to ask before he decided to 
sail for England. 

The brothers understood his wish to be alone with 
his mother and me. Jenny seemed also a little con- 
scious ; and when they retired to rest, she rose quickly 
to follow their example. 

But when she approached to wish my wife good 
night, she could only throw her arms round her neck 
and exclaim, amidst her tears, 

“Dear mother, how can I leave you and dear father 
after all? But papa’s letter requests my return to 
England with the captain, and I must go.” 

565 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


‘‘My dear daughter,’’ I said, for the mother seemed 
unable to speak, “your father must be obeyed. We 
have no right to keep you here. And now cheer up, 
Jenny. You will, perhaps, be able to visit us again in 
this island some day with your husband.” 

She blushed and smiled through her tears as she 
wished me good night, and then, with a hasty word to 
Fritz, she d^isappeared. 

“Father, do you know my secret?” he asked. 

“My son, I do know it,” I replied; “but, without 
the unqualified consent of Sir William Montrose, I 
cannot encourage your hopes. Have you said any- 
thing to Jenny?” 

“No, father, not a word; and I only speak of it to 
you now that I may be free to ask her father’s ap- 
proval when we reach England. Mother,” continued 
Fritz, “you have seen Jenny in her domestic charac- 
ter. Could you receive her as a daughter?” 

“With the greatest love and confidence,” she re- 
plied; “and although you are both going to leave us, 
it will be a happy day for me when I hear that she is 
your wife.” 

The young man’s heart seemed too full for words: 
the tears stood in his eyes, and at last, with an effort, 
he pressed my hand, took his mother in his arms, and 
exclaiming “I bless God for my parents!” hurried 
from the room. 

Next day all was bustle and activity; the sailors’ 
chests were brought out and packed with everything 
the mother considered necessary for the travelers. 
The spirit of activity appeared to rule in the house- 
hold, while many gifts were exchanged between the 
young people, to be preserved as tokens of remem- 
brance. 

I gave the two young men a share of my possessions 
with which to begin the world, and as a means of com- 
merce, — among other things, pearls, coral, precious 
566 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


stones, and other valuable productions of the island, 
which I knew would be most precious in Europe. 

I also gave them earnest advice, which was founded 
on trust and confidence in God and my own experience. 
I reminded them of my teachings during their child- 
hood and youth, and begged them never to wander 
from the paths of virtue, or forget the duty they owed 
to our Heavenly Father, who had preserved them in so 
many dangers during our stay on the island. 

The young people were expected to be on board next 
day at four o’clock. I had, therefore, invited the cap- 
tain and the ship’s officers to a farewell dinner. 

They arrived in the boat which was to take the lug- 
gage on board, and I was glad of the opportunity to 
place in the hands of the captain several articles in my 
possession belonging to the captain of the ship in which 
we had been wrecked, in the hope that possibly he might 
be still living. 

I had placed them in a casket, found in the captain’s 
cabin, with the gold pieces and money, as well as a 
paper containing an account of the shipwreck, which 
I had compiled, and also a list of the officers and crew 
of the ship, which was found in the casket. 

The captain promised to make every inquiry, and to 
place the casket in safe keeping. He was also glad 
to supply me with guns and ammunition in exchange 
for provisions. I had, therefore, sent on board cattle, 
sheep, and poultry, as well as salted meat, dried fish, 
vegetables and fruit of every kind, which were of the 
greatest value to him and the passengers. 

At dinner we endeavored to be cheerful and in good 
spirits, for the sake of our travelers, and the agree- 
able good humor of the visitors made this task less 
difficult. At last, after two toasts, one to the pros- 
perity of New Switzerland j and the other to the safe 
passage of our ship, the leave-taking time came. 

We preferred to say farewell on shore. The broth- 

567 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


ers, althougli pale with emotion at this their first sep- 
aration, kept up bravely; but when the last moment 
came, they threw themselves into each other’s arms, 
quite regardless of the eyes of strangers. Jenny clung 
to the mother with streaming eyes, and almost unable 
to speak. Then I took the young English girl in my 
arms, and after an affectionate farewell to one whom I 
one day hoped to call my own daughter, gave her up to 
Eritz, who led her on board the boat. 

Then came the worst parting of all — the mother from 
her two tall sons; but they were brave and hopeful: 
they embraced her fondly, and whispered hopes of an- 
other meeting with cheerfulness and encouragement. 
The mother’s was the last kiss. She seated herself on 
a camp-stool near the shore, for she had no power to 
stand. I stood by and held her hand. Ernest, behind 
his mother, threw his arm round her shoulders, while 
Frank, nearer the water, took otf his cap as the boat 
moved, and gave three cheers, which were answered 
from all on board. 

We watched the progress of the boat, saw our dear 
ones embark on board the vessel, and did not move 
from the spot till the good ship had rounded the point 
and was out of sight. 

I had placed in the hands of Fritz before he left the 
journal of our doings on the island after we were ship- 
wrecked, and desired him to employ a printer in Eu- 
rope, and have it published. 

I hoped that this simply-written story of our lives 
on the lonely island, if brought before the eyes of the 
young, would point out to them what great results may 
be achieved by industry and perseverance, in spite of 
difficulties, and, above all, prove to them that the bless- 
ing of God will certainly rest on any undertaking which 
is carried on in a right spirit, and with a firm confi- 
dence in His protection and assistance. 

568 


SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 


It is late in the night. On the morrow my dear ones 
will be far away. 

My story is told. May God be with ns and onr ab- 
sent ones. I greet thee, Europe; I greet thee, old 
Switzerland. May New Switzerland in the future be 
strong and flourishing, pious and happy in herself as 
thou. 


569 













